2025 Season Preview Fans Forum

Whats in store for season 2025

2025 Season Preview Fans Forum

Hosted by Steve Ball, introduced Chris Thorman

Chris stated his passion for the club, expressing how much he in committed to doing things right and having a NE heartbeat at the centre of the club. He sees this as a great opportunity to show how things can be done the right way building from the ground up..
Chris
Although last year's results were disappointing, it was expected as we had no pre-season and the average age of the squad was 19.6 years (probably the youngest ever in the professional leagues). The objectives for last year were achieved 1. getting to the starting line and 2. completing the season.
For the 2025 season, the core of the squad will comprise of the players from last season with a year's experience under their belts, supplemented by some experienced players. The club is actively looking at players who are in RL but have an association with the North East.
Player announcements, Tyler Walton returns from Workington, Alex Donaghy returns permanently from York, Evan Lawther & George Birch retained. Chris gave glowing reviews of all 4 players. Further player announcements will come out in the next few weeks (there were a lot of players on the pitch and Harry Lowery turned up at the event).
Although previous not a fan of Dual Reg, Chris understood the benefit of it to Thunder to bring in extra quality and experience. He is working to have Dual Reg players more consistently available than they were last year. This year's Dual Reg partners, Bradford Bulls will give access to their high quality academy and Hunslet have a wealth of experienced players that will need game time. He is currently talking to a couple of back rowers that he hopes to sign.

Players have started pre-season training and will have 2 pre-season games 12th January @Keighley Cougars and on weekend 18th/19th Jan opponent tbc (looking at a Bulls academy side).
Chris stressed the importance of having a pre-season especially with young players, it aids their physical development and positional knowledge (professional levels are much different to youth rugby). Chris expects to see a gradual improvement in performances through pre-season, Challenge cup and early league games.

Steve introduced Keith Christie

Keith expressed his thanks to players and supporters for seeing through last season, the club ended as financially viable even showing a very small profit.
Next season the club will focus on:
1. Community Development - Thunder will work with the Rugby Foundation/community clubs to develop young NE talent. An RFL focus is on the minis age group. The club will work to include youth games prior to Thunder games.
2. Commercial - The club are now in a position to employ a member of staff to focus on commercial activities. The business side of Thunder is being set up for sustainable growth, not the boom and bust of the past. Any fans with links to businesses are encouraged to reach out to those businesses for sponsorship/ hospitality opportunities - pass any details to newcastlethunder@gmail.com.
3. The club have been able to give Chris an increased playing budget. We have 6 weeks to get the on-field and off-field in place.
4. The club have been in discussions with Blaydon RFC to have as home based, playing, training, social, business. The ground offers us a size that is appropriate for our position and assists with sustainable growth. Although not finalised, the decision to explore Blaydon was taken after positive feedback from fans, players and sponsors. 
Fans raised concerns over transport links to Blaydon, the club will work with fans representatives on solutions. (Fans representatives can be contacted at phil.world@yahoo.co.uk, petergbowen@yahoo.co.uk or mrsock9@gmail.com)
5. A social event for all is being planned for early Dec