25 Feb 2022
NEWCASTLE THUNDER NAME SQUAD FOR KNIGHTS CUP CLASH

Thunder freshen up as they enter 2022's Betfred Challenge Cup
Newcastle Thunder have named a squad brimming with home-grown talent ahead of Sunday’s Betfred Challenge Cup tie with York City Knights, with six academy products included in the 21-man listing.
Jake Anderson, Nathan Clemmitt, Alex Donaghy, Josh McDermott, Isaac Nokes and Tyler Hepple are the players included, as Thunder gear up to enter rugby league’s oldest knock-out competition at the fourth-round stage.
The squad shows a total of five changes from the one named ahead of last weekend’s Betfred Challenge Cup victory of Whitehaven, as head coach Eamon O’ Carroll manages injuries, suspensions and unavailability for the trip to the LNER Community Stadium.
In addition to the wealth of academy talent, there are welcome returns for Jake Shorrocks who has successful completed the return to play protocols after a failed HIA against Batley and Nathan Wilde who has completed a two-match suspension following the win over Workington.
Jay Chapelhow is also in contention for his first involvement of the season as he returns to full fitness.
Amongst the absentees these week, Jesse Dee and Mitch Clark miss out through suspension, Jack Johnson through injury while dual reg pairing Sam Halsall and Brad O’Neill stay with Wigan Warriors.
The first step in this season’s competition for both sides, the prospect of a round five tie against a Betfred Super League squad is the reward for victory and fans can watch all of the action for free on Sunday.
York v Thunder has been selected for broadcast by tournament sponsor Betfred via it’s The Sportsman channel, with the stream accessible by clicking here.
For fans wishing to travel and support the team in person, tickets are available to purchase online now, with supporters advised to book unreserved tickets in block A or B.
Newcastle Thunder squad
v York City Knights – Sunday 27th February KO 3pm
FROM
1 Craig Mullen, 5 Gideon Boafo, 6 Jake Shorrocks, 7 Josh Woods, 8 Nathan Wilde, 9 Josh Eaves, 13 Sam Hallas, 14 Connor Bailey, 15 Ted Chapelhow, 16 Jay Chapelhow, 19 Pat Moran, 20 Brad Gallagher, 21 Lewis Peachey, 22 Alex Donaghy, 23 Isaac Nokes, 24 Jake Anderson, 25 Nathan Clemmitt, 26 Matty Nicholson, 27 Josh Mcdermott, 28 Alex Sutton, Tyler Hepple