Newcastle Thunder vs Halifax Panthers Programme

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RUGBY EXcELLENCE PROGRAMME
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Kingston Park, Sunday 7 May, 14:00 KO // Betfred Championship
JACK JOHNSON 1 1 James Woodburn-Hall
ALEX YOUNG 2 2 Lachlan Walmsley
MARCUS WALKER 3 3 Zack McComb
ALEX CLEGG 5 4 Ben Tibbs
ALEX DONAGHY 6 5 James Saltonstall
NIKAU WILLIAMS 7 6 Louis Jouffret
JAY CHAPELHOW 8 7 Joe Keyes
Curtis Davies 9 8 Adam Tangata
Mitch Clark 10 9 Brandon Moore
Alex Foster © 11 10 Dan Murray
Brad Gallagher 12 11 Ben Kavanagh
Connor Bailey 13 12 Matty Gee
Denive Balmforth 14 13 Jacob Fairbank
Ted Chapelhow 15 14 Kyle Wood
Robert Tuliatu 17 15 Will Maher
Jake Lightowler 18 16 Will Calcott
Nathan Clemmitt 19 18 Brandon Pickershill
Gideon Boafo 20 19 Ryan Lannon
Evan Lawther 21 20 Tom Inman
Jake Anderson 22 21 Eribe Doro
Connor Moore 23 22 Jake Maizen
Daniel Okoro 24 23 Nick Rawsthorne
Max Flanagan 25 24 Cole Oakley
Mac Walsh 26 25 Ben Forster
Jack Miller 27 31 Kevin Larroyer
Matthew Laidlaw 28 33 Jacob Gannon
Nick Staveley 29 Dan Fleming
Tyler Walton 30
Evan Simons
Dane Windrow
NEWCASTLE

Good afternoon and welcome back to Kingston Park
for another Thunder match day!
It’s great to have you all back with us and thank you
for your support as we take on Halifax Panthers in
the Betfred Championship.
Before we touch on the fixture itself, I wanted to
just say a huge thank you and congratulations on
behalf of everyone at Newcastle Thunder to Rhys
Clarke.
Rhys announced his retirement from the game
after our fixture against York in the Challenge Cup.
He has been an incredible servant to Newcastle
Thunder and has always been a player who gave his
all.
For all of your distribution
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His commitment to the sport is admirable and we’re
delighted he’ll continue to coach the Reserves.
He’s been a true ambassador for rugby league in
North East and has shown the young players from
the region that they can play professional rugby.
Thanks for everything, Rhys!
Back to the rugby and we know that today will be a
tough test, given how well the Panthers have been
performing this season. With the effort and fight
shown in the Challenge Cup game against York
however, I know the lads most certainly have it in
them and I’m looking forward to what the game has
to bring.
• Transport and
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This fixture is also the last home game before our
Magic Friday clash against Bradford Bulls, which
tickets are on sale for now!
Our marquee fixture will act as a curtain raiser
to Super League’s Magic Weekend at St James’
Park with plenty happening off the field as well for
everyone to enjoy.
The Championship tie is also one of only four
home fixtures to hold match-day hospitality. If
you fancy watching Thunder in style, get in touch
with our commercial team today by emailing
corporatesales@newcastle-falcons.co.uk to
secure your place.
Magic Friday also gives us an opportunity to
celebrate the club’s rich history where tied in
with the Newcastle Rugby Foundation, we’ll also be
hosting a special Hall of Fame Ceremony pre-match.
The event will see three former Thunder players
inducted into the club’s Hall of Fame as well as the
launch of the new North East Rugby League virtual
museum. Tickets are available from £25 and can be
booked by again contacting our commercial team.
4
Be sure to get yourself down and join in the
celebrations. Thank you once again for all your
support.
KEITH CHRISTIE
Chair of Newcastle Thunder
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CHRIS
THORMAN
CHRIS THORMAN
form and their league position of fifth
reflects that.
On top of this, they’ve also managed
to progress in the sixth round of
Challenge Cup after seeing off
Bradford Bulls. They go on to face World
Club Champions, St Helens which will
certainly be playing on their minds
heading into our clash at Kingston
Park.
All in all, we can expect a great day
with plenty of action for all to enjoy,
back at the home of rugby league in the
North East.
Good afternoon and welcome back to
Kingston Park.
This is only our third home game of
the 2023 season so it’s good to be
back, especially after a few weeks
without Championship Rugby with
Challenge Cup commitments and the
international break.
We’ll be looking to bounce back after
narrowly losing to York RLFC Knights
in the Challenge Cup. I believe the lads
have it in them to do so and there were
certainly a lot of positives to bring
from that game.
Pushing the rugby to the side for a
moment, since our last home game
we’ve seen Thunder legend Rhys
Clarke hang up his playing boots. I’ve
known Rhys for a while now and he’s
certainly one of the good guys in the
game. On behalf of everyone at the
club, I wanted to pass on my thanks and
congratulations to Rhys.
It’s been a pleasure coaching him and
I look forward to working with him in
future, as he continues coaching our
Reserves side.
CHRIS THORMAN
Head coach
We had some great spells against York,
most notably the 15 minutes leading
into half time, but we need to find a
way to make these spells occur more
often.
Being out of the Challenge Cup means
we, as a team, can put our full focus on
the league and get some good points on
the board.
Looking at today’s opposition we know
it will be a tough clash. They’re in great
6 7

CLUB
NEWS
“Rhys been a true
ambassador for the North
East professional rugby.
Newcastle Thunder and has
always been a player who gave
his all.
“His commitment to the
sport is admirable and we’re
delighted he’ll continue to
coach the Reserves as we
continue to build in that area.
“Rhys been a true ambassador
for the North East and has
shown the young players from
the region that they can play
professional rugby.
“On behalf of the entire club,
I want to thank him for not
only his huge contribution
to Newcastle Thunder but his
massive effort in representing
the North East in rugby league.
A True North champion.”
RHYS CLARKE RETIRES
FROM RUGBY LEAGUE
TYLER WALTON SIGNS
FOR NEWCASTLE
THUNDER
After a career spanning 15
years, Rhys Clarke has called
time on his rugby career with
immediate effect.
Prop forward Tyler Walton
links up with the Newcastle
Thunder squad on a deal until
the end of the 2024 season.
The 32-year-old has played 164
times for Newcastle Thunder
as well as enjoying stints at
Workington Town, York RLFC
Knights and Whitehaven RLFC.
With 272 career appearances,
Clarke has tallied up 34 tries
for his four clubs with 25 of
them coming for the Rhubarb
and Custard.
Also having kicked 48 goals for
Newcastle Thunder, his total
points tally for the North East
outfit reached 196.
Making his debut for the
club back in 2009, the propforward
will now continue
coaching the club’s Reserves
side.
Chair of Newcastle Thunder
Keith Christie said: “Rhys has
been an incredible servant to
Newcastle Thunder and has
always been a player who gave
his all.
Keith Christie said: “Rhys has
been an incredible servant to
Hailing from Howdon, Wallsend,
Walton came through Wallsend
Eagles before getting selected
and playing through both the
U16s and U19s academies at
Newcastle Thunder.
The 22-year-old previously
made 20 appearances in
Betfred League 1 for Rochdale
Hornets and Midlands
Hurricanes scoring three
times last season.
Walton also currently studies
at Northumbria University and
has been a regular feature in
the side that won the National
Championship this year.
Speaking on his decision to
sign, Walton said: “I’m buzzing
to be back and I’m excited to
have signed for the first team.
“After coming through the
academy system here, back
when it was Northeast
Thunder, I unfortunately never
got to make first team debut.
“However, this has given me
time to really learn my trade
playing at other clubs. I’m
hoping my experiences will
give me a chance to kick-on
now at Thunder under the new
coaching staff.”
CUP HEARTBREAK FOR
THE THUNDER ARMY
Newcastle Thunder bowed out
of the 2023 Betfred Challenge
Cup in a narrow 22-18 defeat
at York RLFC Knights.
The North East outfit battled
hard in the fifth round tie
and were leading 12-4 at the
break. Ultimately they would
fall short with less than 15
minutes to go.
The tightly contested affair
saw Marcus Walker, Jack
Miller and Mac Walsh all cross
for tries and Nikau Williams
slotted all three conversions.
10 11

MAGIC FRIDAY TICKETS
ON SALE NOW
Newcastle Thunder host
Bradford Bulls at Kingston
Park on Friday, June 2.
The curtain raiser to Magic
Weekend at St James’ Park,
the club’s Magic Friday clash
kicks-off at 7:45pm.
Kick-start your weekend of
live rugby league by joining us
under the Friday night lights.
Tickets are available from
£15 for adults, £5 for U16s
and concessions, young adults
and students (YAS) can access
tickets for £13.
Click HERE to secure your seat
today!
HOSPITALITY
AVAILABLE FOR MAGIC
FRIDAY FIXTURE
in the privacy of your own
suite.
Hospitality can be booked by
contacting, corporatesales@
newcastle-falcons.co.uk.
Secure your place today!
NEWCASTLE THUNDER
ADD HALL OF FAME
CEREMONY TO MAGIC
FRIDAY LINE-UP
Newcastle Thunder will
celebrate its rich history on
Magic Friday this year, with
the club hosting its second Hall
of Fame dinner ahead of the
Betfred Championship clash
with Bradford Bulls on Friday,
June 2 (19:45 KO).
The ceremony will see three
former Newcastle Thunder
players inducted into the
club’s Hall of Fame and also the
launch of the new North East
Rugby League virtual museum,
an interactive website, with
places available to book now.
On top of the Hall of Fame
presentation, guests can
also enjoy a Thunder buffet,
prepared by our awardwinning
kitchen, with the
package available from £25
per person.
To secure your place, please
contact corporatesales@
newcastle-falcons.co.uk.
Watch Newcastle Thunder in
style with our award-winning
match day hospitality.
Guests can enjoy a two-course
meal (main and dessert) before
the game alongside a Q&A with
a host and players or coaches.
Guests can enjoy a two-course
meal (main and dessert) before
the game alongside a Q&A with
a host and players or coaches.
On top of excellent
entertainment pre-match,
you can enjoy the fixture from
premium West Stand seating
and have access to team sheets
and a free digital match-day
programme.
This hospitality package is
available at £50 per person
inc. VAT for adults and £25 per
person inc. VAT for U16s.
If you’re looking for something
even more, we also have
packages in our Corporate
Boxes available to book.
From just £60 per adult and
£35 per U16, enjoy the same
luxurious hospitality service

COMMUNITY
NEWS
MAY COACHING CAMPS HAVE
LAUNCHED
Places are now available for our May Coaching
Camps held at Catterick RLFC and Kingston Park
Stadium.
Thunder Community is calling boys and girls
aged 6-14 years old to get involved in their
action-packed May Coaching Camps.
Starting from just £25, all camp participants
receive 5 hours of high-quality rugby coaching
from DBS-cleared, RFL-qualified Community
Development Officer, a camp T-shirt,
special guest visits from Newcastle Thunder
professional players.
All participants will receive an exclusive FREE
match ticket to our Magic Friday Newcastle
Thunder V Bradford Bulls game.
Dates and Locations:
MAY 30: Catterick RLFC Training Ground (£25)
MAY 31-JUN 1: Kingston Park Stadium (£40)
To book, please head to www.rugbycamps.co.uk/
thunder.
For more information on how you can claim your
free match ticket, please contact community@
newcastle-thunder.co.uk.
MASTER’S TOUCH RUGBY
LAUCHES IN MAY
Thunder Community is delighted to bring you
Master’s Touch Rugby and you can be part of the
action!
Calling everyone aged 35+, male or female, to get
involved in our brand-new Master Touch Rugby
sessions starting Monday 15th May.
Open to players of all abilities, touch rugby is
fast, exciting, enjoyable, non-contact form of
the game, and a great way to get fit in the Spring
evenings.
From just £2.50 per session, Masters Touch
Rugby sessions will run for 6 weeks and will
run every Monday from 6:30-7:30pm at Kingston
Park Stadium.
To book, please head to www.rugbycamps.co.uk/
thunder.
For more information, please contact
community@newcastle-thunder.co.uk.
THUNDER COMMUNITY LAUNCH
RUGBEES
Thunder Community, alongside Rugby Football League, are delighted
to bring you an exciting new project to help encourage more primary
school girls to take up rugby league.
RugBees is open to girls aged 7-11 to help develop their confidence in
catching, passing, and kicking, whilst having plenty of fun too.
Each session will be an hour long, beginning with an introduction to the
game’s technical skills and finishing with a non-contact form of the
game such as tag rugby.
RugBees will begin over the summer months and for more information,
please contact jason.grant@newcastle-thunder.co.uk
SIGN UP TO THE 2023 MOODY CUP
Newcastle Thunder’s ever-popular Moody Cup will make a welcome
return to Kingston Park this summer. Entries for the 2023 Moody Cup
are beginning to flood in, with the competition set to be the biggest
and best yet!
The Junior rugby league grassroots festival will take place ahead of
Newcastle Thunder’s Betfred Championship clash against Widnes
Vikings on Saturday August 5.
Supported by Cramlington-based Moody Logistics and ran by Thunder
Community, the Moody Cup offers clubs a brilliant day of rugby league
for players from U7 to U16.
All players, coaches, parents and spectators will be able to enjoy the
popular fan zone with live entertainment, and plenty of food and
beverage stations, including the famous Kingston Park BBQ.
The Moody Cup is open to all grassroots club across the UK, with the
festival free to enter.
All participants receive a complimentary ticket for the Newcastle
Thunder game that follows, while spectators watching can join the
young players in the stand for £7.
To register or for more information, please contact community@
newcastle-thunder.co.uk.
16 17
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Instagram: @falcons_community Facebook: Falcons Community Twitter: @FalconsCF LinkedIn: Newcastle Rugby Foundation

Ball Steal
Not 10
Rugby League is played by two teams of 13
players, playing on a pitch that is 100m
long.
Games are played in two 40-minute halves,
with the team with the highest score after
the combined 80 minutes winning the game.
You may run forwards with the ball, and you
may kick the ball forwards, but as in rugby
union, you can only pass the ball backwards
or sideways.
If you pass the ball forwards or knock the
ball on (that is deflect the ball towards the
opposition, try line by contact with the
body or arms) possession is handed over to
the opposing side.
In rugby league, teams are allowed up to six
tackles to score. Once a player is tackled,
the tackler must let go of the ball carrier
and his teammates must retreat 10 meters.
The ball carrier is allowed to stand up and
then play the ball back to a team mate to
start the process again.
If a team is tackled a sixth time, possession
of the ball is handed over to the defending
team who gain possession of the ball from
the spot of the tackle.
Try – Worth four points a try is scored when
downward pressure is applied to the ball on
the ground in the opponents in-goal area.
The ball can either be ran into the in-goal
area or kicked through and touched down.
Conversion – After scoring a try teams
can add additional points by successfully
kicking a goal called a conversion. Taken
from a spot 20 meters from the goal line
and perpendicular from where the try was
scored. Kicking the ball over the crossbar
and between the posts scores two points.
Penalty – If the opposition commits a foul,
teams can opt to attempt to score a goal
by kicking the ball between the posts and
over the crossbar from the spot where the
infringement took place, this also scores
two points.
Drop Goal – A drop goal can be scored by
kicking the ball through the posts and any
point in open play. To score these, the ball
must be dropped onto the ground before
being kicked. Worth just one point, a drop
goal is rarely seen, but in close games it
can be the difference between victory and
defeat.
In summary, if you can count to six, you are
going to enjoy a game of rugby league.
When two or more people are involved in
a tackle, a ball steal occurs when a player
from the defending team takes the ball off
the attacking player who has been tackled.
Dissent
If a player disputes decisions taken by the
referee or verbally abuses the officials
then a penalty for dissent may be awarded.
Double Movement
If the ball carrier is tackled and held before
the try line and then lifts their arm
to reach out and place the ball over the try
line, this is classed as a double movement
with a penalty awarded to the defending
team
High Tackle
If a defending player contacts the head of
the attacking player carrying the ball, a
penalty for a high tackle will be awarded.
Late Tackle
If the attacking player passes the ball to a
team-mate and the defender has had time
to pull out of his attempted tackle but carries
through, he has committed a late tackle
and will be penalised.
When a player doesn’t retreat behind the
next 10m line or goes too early when defending
the next tackle of a set, a penalty
will be awarded. This can also be awarded
as an offside penalty.
Obstruction
When an attacker prevents a defender from
getting to the ball carrier to effect a tackle
by getting in between the two players, a
penalty is awarded for obstruction
Offside
As well as an infringement around being
10m from the play the ball, offsides can also
be awarded in instances where players are
in front of a kicker.
Tackle in the air
If a player has jumped to take the ball in the
air and the defending player makes no attempt
to play at the ball, but instead goes
straight for the player or makes a tackle
before the gathering player returns to the
ground, a penalty will be awarded
For a host of other offences, referees will
simply reset the tackle count bay awarding
a “Six Again”
This is signaled by the referee waving a
clenched fist above his head from left to
right.
To make it more difficult for the other team
to score, the attacking team will usually
kick the ball away on the fifth tackle to
increase the distance between the opposition
and the try line.
A team will run with the ball, get tackled,
play the ball backwards and repeat this
process up to six times in the attempt to
score up to six points at a time, before the
other team will have a go.
The object of the game is to score more
points than the opposing team with several
ways to do this during a match.
18 19
19

RHYS
CLARKE
“
I’d like to be remembered
first and foremost for being
a good bloke. After that, a
player who just got stuck in.
After a career spanning 15 years, Newcastle
Thunder’s Rhys Clarke called time on his playing
career following the conclusion of the club’s
Challenge Cup tie against York RLFC Knights.
The 32-year-old scored 25 tries in his 164
games for Newcastle Thunder as well as kicking
48 goals, taking his total points tally to 196.
The experience prop-forward also enjoyed
stints at Workington Town, York RLFC Knights,
seeing his total career appearances reach 272.
Despite hanging up his playing boots, Clarke will
continue to represent the club through
coaching the Reserves side, hoping his
experiences and approach to the game can
help the up-and-coming talent shine on the big
stage.
“I’d like to be remembered first and foremost
for just being a good bloke. I’ve always tried
to be like that and help people wherever I can
along the way.
“After that, a player who just got stuck in. I
know I wasn’t the best player in the world, but I
wasn’t the worst either and I used to just go out
there and get stuck in. Doing my job and what
was required of me.
20

“I thought I was going to be
emotional, and I wasn’t which
probably confirmed to me it was
the right decision.
and felt it was a bit unfair on
myself and the club to see the
year out.
“Like I’ve said we’ve got some
good kids coming though and
now it’s time for them to step
up and take over.”
Clarke’s final game for the
club came against York RLFC
Knights in the Challenge Cup,
which ultimately proved to
be one of the squad’s better
performances of the season.
The tightly contested affair
saw Thunder narrowly lose 22-
18, having led the game at halftime.
Talking through his decision
and the day itself, Clarke said:
“It was a weird one really.
I made the decision before
the game and spoke to Chris
Thorman about it, where we
agreed we’d give it one more
game.
“It was the perfect opportunity
really and I couldn’t stop
thinking about it in the buildup.
“I thought I was going to be
emotional, and I wasn’t which
probably confirmed to me it
was the right decision.
“I went out there and I thought
we had a good crack at them,
it was one of the better
performances this season and
it just proves that if you’re all
in it with each other you’re
going to run teams close, and
we nearly got it in the end.
“It was a good game; we’ve got a
good squad here and I think we
just need to push on.”
Elaborating on how he felt
after the final whistle, Clarke
added: “The final whistle
went and just had my head
in my hands. I walked across
and the lads gave me their
congratulations.
“I saw my Mrs and the kids, and
got a bit choked up when they
came on the pitch, but it was
lovely.
“Fair play to the York lads as
well, walking off they gave me a
guard of honour.
“I know I played there many
moons ago, so it was a nice
touch. It was a lovely day allround,
so I have no complaints.
It would have been great to
get a win, but these things
happen.”
Following 10 seasons at the
club and 15 throughout his
career, Clarke reflected
on his highlights and what
memories he’ll take away from
playing across the Betfred
Championship and Betfred
League 1.
“I think when people speak of
Thunder, they always think
doom and gloom but there
have been some great times.
We haven’t nailed it on and off
the pitch completely but there
have definitely been some
upsides.
“A standout would be my debut
in a pre-season game against
Castleford Tigers on Boxing
Day.
“Hopefully the fans over the
years appreciate that and I
just want to thank them for all
their support, it’s been great.”
Despite what may have seemed
an unexpected announcement,
only a few months into the
playing season, Clarke insisted
the decision wasn’t one he took
lightly.
“It was a tough decision. It
wasn’t something I thought out
of the blue but when I looked
back at my performances and
wasn’t where I used to be, I
knew it was time.
“I didn’t want to be one of those
players who limps over the
finish line. I just thought call
it a day, you’ve had some good
years playing and now it’s time
to let the young lads do their
bit.
“I was only 16 or so at the time
and I remember the coach at
the time pulled us into the
office and said you’ll not be
on the bench this week. Which
initially I was disappointed
with, but he said it was
because you’re starting and
that always stood out for me.
“Another would be an evening
game against Sheffield at
Gateshead Stadium, the crowd
was great and got a bit of roar
when I came on, will stay with
me.
“Away from Thunder, the
derby games I played in when
at Whitehaven definitely will
something that sticks with me
and obviously the play-off win
with Workington Town.”
“I felt alright in pre-season
and going into the friendly
against Keighley Cougars but
when we got into the league
games, I just knew I wasn’t the
same player I used to be
22 23

“The fans here are crazy but are
what make the club. We have a
small bunch of them here but
they’re loud and very loyal and they
deserve a lot, and we hope we can
deliver for them.
Some other great memories
I think come from the games
here at Kingston Park, in
particular when we’ve had big
crowds in. They’ve always been
fantastic.
“When this place is packed
out it doesn’t half make some
noise and adds to a great
atmosphere.
“I love it when it runs in the
East Stand and everyone’s
packed out and you can hear
them when you run out.
“We’ve certainly got some
characters amongst our fans.
Some that have followed the
clubs for years.
“The fans here are crazy but
are what make the club. We
have a small bunch of them here
but they’re loud and very loyal
and they deserve a lot, and we
hope we can deliver for them.
“I’ve also had some great
memories off the pitch with
the lads, but I’ll keep them to
myself.”
Looking ahead to the future
and what’s next for the former
prop-forward, Clarke said:
“It’s not been fully confirmed
yet what I’m going to do but
I’ll continue my work with the
reserves and work with them
every week.
“Hopefully I can get involved
in the first team as well. Help
Chris on game days. I’ve played
the game long enough and I like
to think I’ve got good knowledge
of the game that I can pass on
to the first team lads and help
them out.
“It would also help me a lot
learning from Chris who is a
great coach.”
“I think the reserves will be
massive for the club moving
forward, especially in helping
to bridge the gap between the
academy and first team.
“I think it’s hugely beneficial
moving forward. I’ve seen a lot
of development already, which
is a combination of both their
hard work and having that
competitiveness in the setup,
not just amongst the squad but
a strong league to compete in.
“I really do believe if we put a
lot into the Reserves, we’ll get
a lot out of it down the line.
“It’s funny to see how it’s
changed over the years.
Looking at the academy set up
in place now, we never had that
when I was coming through.
We’ve got a lot of things off
the field now and I think it’s a
great environment for these
players to grow.
“We’ve got plenty of talent
in the North East but we’ve
always struggled to get them
in the first team and I think if
I can help bring them through.
“I’ve managed to play over 270
games in my career, with 130
or so in the Championship and
it’s crazy to think it’s only me
and handful of other players
from the area that have gone
on to do that.”
25

Name
Thunder
career
apps
Thunder
career
points
Thunder
career
tries
Season
2023
apps
Season
2023
points
Season
2023
tries
Name
Thunder
career
apps
Thunder
career
points
Thunder
career
tries
Season
2023
apps
Season
2023
points
Season
2023
tries
Jake Anderson 9 0 0 2 0 0 Jack Johnson 45 108 27 12 20 5
Connor Bailey 55 28 7 12 4 1 Matthew Laidlaw 5 0 0 5 0 0
Denive Balmforth 9 0 0 9 0 0 Evan Lawther 3 8 2 3 8 2
Gideon Boafo 26 44 11 0 0 0 Jake Lightowler 2 0 0 1 0 0
Jay Chapelhow 38 8 2 11 4 1 Jack Miller 9 28 3 9 28 3
Ted Chapelhow 49 16 4 12 8 2 Connor Moore 9 8 2 9 8 2
Alex Clegg 60 132 33 10 24 6 Daniel Okoro 1 0 0 1 0 0
Mitch Clark 38 8 2 11 4 1 Nicholas Staveley 6 0 0 6 0 0
Rhys Clarke 164 196 25 9 0 0 Robert Tuliatu 8 0 0 8 0 0
Nathan Clemmitt 6 0 0 0 0 0 Marcus Walker 9 8 2 9 8 2
Curtis Davies 13 0 0 12 0 0 Mac Walsh 3 4 1 3 4 1
Alex Donaghy 31 44 11 8 0 2 Nikau Williams 11 46 2 11 52 2
Max Flanagan 3 4 1 3 4 1 Connor Wynne 3 0 0 3 0 0
Alex Foster 21 24 6 9 12 3 Alex Young 10 20 5 10 20 5
Brad Gallagher 28 16 4 6 0 0

28
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OFFICIAL CLUB PARTNERS

1.
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1 Jack Johnson
Fullback
2 Alex Young
Wing
3 Marcus Walker
Centre
5 Alex Clegg
Wing
18 Jake Lightowler
Loose forward
19 Nathan Clemmitt
Loose forward
20 Gideon Boafo
Wing
21 Evan Lawther
Centre
BTS Boiler
Technical
The Mosley
Family
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6 Alex Donagh
Standoff
7 Nikau Williams
Scrum-half
8 Jay Chapelhow
Prop
9 Curtis Davie
Hooker
22 Jake Anderson
Prop
23 Connor Moore
Prop
24 Daniel Okor
Prop
25 Max Flanagan
Fullback
Jan & Jim
Neighbour
Derwent View
Group
National Care
Network
1.
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1.
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10 Mitch Clark
Prop
11 Alex Foster ©
Second row
12 Brad Gallagher
Second row
13 Connor Bailey
Loose forward
26 Mac Walsh
Centre
27 Jack Miller
Standoff
28 Matthew Laidlaw
Prop
29 Nick Staveley
Prop
Ludwell
Electrical
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THE PARKER
FAMILY
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14 Denive Balmforth
Hooker
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15 Ted Chapelhow
Prop
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16 Rhys Clarke
Prop
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17 Robert Tuliatu
Prop
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- Tyler Walton
Second Row
Lowes Financial
Management
2023
NEWCASTLE
THUNDER
30 31

FIXTURES & RESULTS
JANUARY
F: SAT JAN 18 V KEIGHLEY COUGARS (L 12-24)
FEBRUARY
BC: Sun Feb 5 v Swinton Lions (W 6-18)
BC: Sat Feb 11 v Toulouse Olympique XIII (L 58-0)
BC: Sun Feb 19 v Keighley Cougars (L 44-24)
BC: Sun Feb 26 v Featherstone Rovers (L 56-6)
MARCH
BC: Sun Mar 5 v Barrow Raiders (D 18-18)
BCC: Sat Mar 11 v Stanningley SARLC (W 16-58)
BC: SAT MAR 18 V LONDON BRONCOS (L 6-36)
BC: Sun Mar 26 v Widnes Vikings (L 24-16)
APRIL
BCC: Sat Apr 1 v Rochdale Mayfield (W 12-22)
BC: FRI APR 7 V SHEFFIELD EAGLES (L 20-44)
BC: Sun Apr 16 v Whitehaven RLFC (L 31-6)
BCC: Fri Apr 21 v York RLFC Knights (L 22-18)
MAY
BC: SUN MAY 7 V HALIFAX PANTHERS (2PM)
SB: Sun May 28 v Sheffield Eagles (3pm)
NEXT TIME AT KP
JUNE
BC: FRI JUN 2 V BRADFORD BULLS (7:45PM)
BC: SUN JUN 11 V BATLEY BULLDOGS (3PM)
BC: SUN JUN 18 V KEIGHLEY COUGARS (3PM)
BC: Fri Jun 23 v Sheffield Eagles (7:30pm)
JULY
BC: Sun Jul 2 v London Broncos (3pm)
BC: SUN JUL 9 V WHITEHAVEN RLFC (3PM)
BC: Sun Jul 16 v Halifax Panthers (3pm)
BC: SUN JUL 30 V SWINTON LIONS (3PM)
AUGUST
BC: SAT AUG 5 V WIDNES VIKINGS (3PM)
BC: Sun Aug 20 v Bradford Bulls (3pm)
BC: FRI AUG 25 V YORK CITY KNIGHTS (7:45PM)
SEPTEMBER
BC: SAT SEP 2 V TOULOUSE OLYMPIQUE XIII (3PM)
BC: FRI SEP 8 V FEATHERSTONE ROVERS (8PM)
BC: SAT SEP 16 V BARROW RAIDERS (3PM)
BC: Sun Sep 24 v Batley Bulldogs (3pm)
KEY: BC = Betfred Championship, BCC = Betfred Challenge Cup,
SB – Summer Bash, F = Friendly.
(Home games in capital letters)
FIRST TEAM
V LONDON BRONCOS
FRI June 2nd
BETFRED CHAMPIONSHIP
Kick-off: 19:45
RESERVES & ACADEMY
MARCH
R: Sat Mar 4 v St. Helens Reserves (L 72-4)
R: SAT MAR 18 V LONDON BRONCOS RESERVES (W 48-6)
U16: Wed Mar 22 v Huddersfield Giants Academy (L 66-4)
U18: SUN MAR 26 V LEEDS RHINOS ACADEMY (L 0-84)
R: FRI MAR 31 V CASTLEFORD TIGERS RESERVES (L 10-22)
APRIL
U16: WED APR 5 V BRADFORD BULLS ACADEMY (L 20-30)
U18: Thu Apr 6 v Bradford Bulls Academy (L 78-16)
R: Sat Apr 15 v Huddersfield Giants Reserves (L 32-18)
U18: THU APR 20 V HULL FC ACADEMY (L 10-76)
R: FRI APR 28 V WARRINGTON WOLVES RESERVES (L 6-54)
MAY
U16: Wed May 3 v Castleford Tigers Academy (L 44-14)
U18: SUN MAY 7 v ST. HELENS ACADEMY (4:30 PM)
R: Sun May 14 v Hull FC Reserves (2pm)
U18: Sat May 20 v Warrington Wolves Academy (2pm)
R: FRI MAY 26 V WAKEFIELD TRINITY RESERVES (7:30 PM)
JUNE
R: Sat Jun 10 v Hull KR Reserves (1pm)
U16: Sat Jun 17 v London Broncos Academy (2pm)
NEXT TIME AT KP
R: SUN JUN 18 V WAKEFIELD TRINITY RESERVES (2PM)
R: SUN JUN 25 V LEIGH LEOPARDS RESERVES (2PM)
U16: Wed Jun 28 v Hull KR Academy (7pm)
V ST. HELENS ACADEMY (U18S)
SUN MAY 7th
Kick-off: 16:30
JULY
U18: Sat Jul 1 v London Broncos Academy (2pm)
R: Sat Jul 8 v Wigan Warriors Reserves (12pm)
U16: WED JULY 12 V WIGAN WARRIORS ACADEMY (7PM)
U18: Sat Jul 15 v Castleford Tigers Academy (2pm)
R: FRI JUL 21 V LEEDS RHINO RESERVES (7:30 PM)
U16: WED JULY 26 V LEEDS RHINOS ACADEMY (7PM)
U18: SUN JUL 30 V BRADFORD BULLS ACADEMY (5:15PM)
AUGUST
R: Sat Aug 5 v Salford Red Devils Reserves (3pm)
R: Sat Aug 19 v Bradford Bulls Reserves (1pm)
U18: Fri Aug 25 v Hull KR Academy (5:30pm)
KEY: R = Reserves, U18 = Under-18s, U16 = Under-16s
(Home games in capital letters)
SEPTEMBER
U18: FRI SEP 8 V HUDDERSFIELD GIANTS ACADEMY (5:45PM)
32

IN OPPOSITION
HALIFAX PANTHERS
The team hailing from West Yorkshire travel up to the Northeast
in solid form winning 6 from their last 8 in all competitions.
Most recent of which was a convincing 26-0 win over Bradford
Bulls in the Challenge Cup to reach the Round of 16 where they will
face World Club Champions, St Helens.
However, the Panthers’ have struggled on the road in the league
this season failing to pick up a point in all three of their away
games where it seems they have struggled defensively.
Despite of this Halifax still sit 5th in the table, and most
importantly in the play-off spots, level on points with Bradford
and Batley with a superior points difference.
SIMON GRIX
Photography credit: Halifax Panthers
Grix has been Head Coach of Halifax Panthers since 2019 after
finishing his playing career there, which is also where he began
his career.
After debuting for Halifax in Super League as a 17-year-old in
2003, Simon left at the end of the following year to join Super
League side Warrington Wolves where he would play for 12 years.
He is now in his fourth year in charge of the club, and with a
number a new signings performing well, he has the squad sitting
in the play-offs places.
Photography credit: Halifax Panthers
34 35

IN OPPOSITION
THREE TO WATCH
6, LOUIS JOUFFRET
(STAND OFF)
Playing as the right sided half, Jouffret joined
Halifax in 2022 and since has played 36 games,
scoring 100 points for the Panthers.
He is at the heart of Halifax’s attack, commanding
his own edge as well as linking up with the left
side half-back to create an overload.
The Frenchman made his first international
appearance in last weekend’s friendly against
England coming on as a substitute.
13, JACOB FAIRBANK
(LOOSE FORWARD)
Fairbank, at loose forward, is a willing runner
of the ball as well as having the quality to play
out the back to his half back.
The Panthers’ 13 is well into his second stint
with the side after briefly joining back in 2011
for a season before re-joining the side in 2015.
He has gone on to play over 200 games with
Halifax mustering up 25 tries in his time for
them, hitting the 100 point mark a few weeks
ago in a win against York Knights.
2, LACHLAN WALMSLEY
(WINGER)
The Panthers’ left winger has a very impressive
try-scoring record since joining in 2022,
scoring 44 tries in 33 games.
Last season Walmsley equalled the record for
most tries in a season for Halifax scoring an
impressive 30 tries over the 2022 campaign.
The Scot has made 4 starts for his country, in
one of which he scored at Kingston Park while
playing Fiji at the 2021 World Cup.
Photography credit: Halifax Panthers
36 37