HALSALL HEADS TO NEWCASTLE THUNDER ON LOAN

Newcastle Thunder will bring young Wigan Warriors centre Sam Halsall into the club’s squad for an initial two week’s loan spell.

An exciting talent who made rapid progression through the Warriors academy ranks, Halsall has shone at Under 19s level with two grand-final winners medals to his name, scoring a try in both triumphs.

He began playing the sport at the age of six with Shevington Sharks after being inspired to take up the game by his dad and started out as a full back before moving into the halves.

After signing for Wigan’s Scholarship system in 2016, he played on the wing and at full back, before moving into centre in the Academy.

Agreeing professional terms with the first team for the 2020 season, the youngster made the first of two appearances to date towards the end of the season against St Helens, before making his second in an impressive Betfred Challenge Cup win over York City Knights back in April.

Scoring one of his team’s five tries in the 26-0 victory at the LNER Community Stadium, Halsall arrives at Kingston Park as Thunder aim to strengthen their midfield options with the opportunity of extending the spell available.

Commenting on his initial loan, Halsall said: “I’m looking forward to being at Thunder, I’m looking to prove myself and starting making a name for myself by playing the best I can. I’m looking forward to working with two good coaches and a good squad who I can learn off.

“As a player, I like having the ball in my hands, using space and to be aggressive in defence. I like to trust my speed to help me out.”

Director of rugby Denis Betts said: “Sam is an exciting young player who will add to our training because of his background and his desire. He is a young player who our move to a hybrid environment, with additional training sessions can have the environment he wants and needs.

“He needs to play and is one of those highly talented kids who aren’t getting a chance to play through the depth of squads at Super League clubs. We’ve got an opportunity we can give him and add to the depth of our squad in that position.

“We’ve got some exciting local talent like Nokesy [Isaac Nokes] but when you look beyond him and the two starting centres we have, we’re a little bit light in there and bringing in Sam will add competition which makes for a more competitive environment.

“The chances are he could have played super league this year for Wigan, but a couple of setbacks have delayed that slightly, but all the talk is that Sam’s a Super League centre and I am pleased to have brought him in.”