Newcastle Thunder break 855-day losing streak with win over Midlands Hurricanes

Cody Hunter’s brace helped the Tyneside club win their first match since September 2023, in the opening round of the new-look Betfred Championship.

Newcastle Thunder were victorious 28-10, as they spoilt Midlands Hurricanes’ housewarming party at their new stadium.

Now in partnership with newly-promoted Super League side, York City Knights, as well as NRL juggernauts Penrith Panthers, the Thunder kicked off 2026 with a new-look squad.

Hunter, having arrived from the Sunshine Coast Falcons in the Queensland Cup, scored two on debut, as well as York-loanees Will Dagger, Will Roberts and Noah Whittingham all crossing the line.

Newcastle were last victorious in the penultimate round of the 2023 Championship season, beating Barrow Raiders 36-24 at Kingston Park. They finished bottom of the league that campaign, with just 11 league points.

They announced they would pull out of the 2024 League One season just months before the leagues start, but pulled enough funding to complete the campaign.

The club has since moved grounds twice, to the Gateshead International Stadium, and then the Crow Trees ground, home to Blaydon RUFC, where they have set up a long-term agreement to hold their operations there.