Warriors to be big test for Thunder
ONE of the biggest clubs in rugby league will provide Newcastle Thunder’s opposition tomorrow as they take on Wigan Warriors in a pre-season friendly at Kingston Park Stadium (3.00).
The five-times Betfred Super League champions head to the North East for their first hit-out of the year as Thunder put the final touches to their preparations ahead of the Betfred Championship season kick-off on January 30.
The Warriors have named a 23-man squad which includes a healthy mix of established firstteam stars and fresh young talent, with new signing and former NRL star Patrick Mago, Super League’s top tackler in 2021 Joe Shorrocks and homegrown half-back Harry Smith the pick of the names included.
Restoring an almost annual tradition of a visit from a Super League club to Tyneside, tomorrow’s encounter will see Thunder look to build on a solid first game of the year against Barrow Raiders.
Fielding an expanded squad which featured both the club’s 2022 first team roster and a number of its promising academy talents, Thunder enjoyed a 22-12 lead while fielding their main men before the Raiders made the most of their greater experience in the closing quarter and took a 34-22 win.
Among those experiencing their first taste of action in Newcastle colours and enjoying a try-scoring debut was full-back Craig Mullen, who made the move from Leigh Centurions over the winter.
A product of the Warriors’ academy, the 24-year-old is eager to get his first home game under his belt and is expecting Sunday’s game to be a high-calibre event.
He said: “Our friendly last week was good in getting minutes out there and pre-season for us is all about building momentum.
“Sunday is about getting more minutes under our belts - touch wood we all come through well and head into the season putting our best foot forward.”