Thunder Strengthen Partnership with York RLFC and Penrith Panthers

Leading into the 2026 Betfred Championship season Newcastle Thunder, York RLFC and the Penrith Panthers have strengthened their aligned development pathway, giving Newcastle players a clear and credible route into Super League with York. The partnership connects Newcastle’s emerging talent with a high-performance environment guided by Penrith’s elite standards and long-term player development success.

 
The partnership utilises the updated loan framework, allowing players to be considered for loan transfer on a week-to-week basis within RFL and Super League operational guidelines. This creates selection flexibility for athletes ready to take the next step and ensures opportunity is driven by performance.
 
Richie Metcalfe, CEO of Newcastle Thunder, said:
“This partnership gives our players a direct opportunity to reach Super League. If you perform at Newcastle, there is now a clear, professional, and direct route to the top. This partnership removes obstacles other pathways have allowing players deserving of top tier selection real selection consideration.”
 
York RLFC Chairman Clint Goodchild added:
“We’ve created a professional pathway that opens real opportunities for players and lifts standards. Within this ecosystem there is real opportunity for all players to compete week in week out and continue in their development. We’re seeing this with John Sagaga joining the Knights from Penrith and several of our future Super League players featuring for Newcastle this coming season.”
 
As Newcastle moves toward the 2026 season, this partnership delivers a purposeful, modern pathway that keeps talent growing and opening the doors to the highest level within the sport