NEWCASTLE THUNDER SQUAD NAMED FOR BULLDOGS

Newcastle Thunder have made six changes to their 21-man squad ahead of the Betfred Championship trip to face Batley Bulldogs on Sunday afternoon (KO 3pm) as a mixture of suspensions and injuries shakes up the club's selection options.

Home grown talents are continuing to stake a claim for first team opportunities, with Kieran Hudson, Todd Wilkinson and Tyler Hepple named in the wider squad for the first time in 2021.

Joining Alex Clegg, Alex Donaghy and Isaac Nokes, their inclusion sees the number of home-grown players named in the squad rise to six, with hooker Wilkinson the next new face expected to make his senior bow.

Elsewhere, Bob Beswick, Liam McAvoy and Sam Wilde return to the roster as they return to fitness.

The new faces come into the squad in place of Evan Simons, Kyle Trout and Nathan Wilde, all of whom miss out whilst serving match suspensions, while Jake Anderson, Jake Shorrocks and Calum Turner are nursing knocks.

Having met at Kingston Park Stadium earlier in the season, Thunder travel to fifth-placed Bulldogs looking to avenge their 28-16 reverse in round four.

A pair of tries from Kieran Gill, a poacher’s effort from Shorrocks and two goals for Josh Woods weren’t enough for Thunder to overturn Craig Lingard’s then in-form side.

The Bulldogs have continued their good form in 2021, having taken eight wins from 13 and firmly chasing for an end-of-season play-off spot.

Supporters wishing to travel to Sunday’s game are reminded that an official away travel coach will be running to the game, with spaces available to book at £18 for adults and £10 for U16s.

Departing Kingston Park Stadium at 11:45 and Washington Services at 12 Noon, places can be purchased by clicking here

Tickets for the game are available on the gate, though pre-booking via the Bulldogs website offers an advanced booking discount.

Newcastle Thunder squad

v Batley Bulldogs – Sunday 25^th July KO 3pm

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