Hull FC and Newcastle Thunder have announced a dual-registration partnership for the 2023 campaign.
The Black & Whites have teamed up with the Betfred Championship side, allowing the movement of players between the clubs to provide extra playing opportunities throughout the campaign, helping nurture the best young talents for both sides.
Hull FC players will be available for the Thunder when not selected by head coach Tony Smith, while Reserves and Academy players will also available for selection at Kingston Park.
The partnership will also see some of Newcastle’s brightest young talents gain the opportunity to train within a Super League environment, with opportunities for Thunder players to be involved with Hull FC’s various age groups.
Both clubs are running Reserve teams in 2023, which will also enable the movement of players between both clubs when not involved in first-team action.
As part of the partnership, the Airlie Birds will also be playing their part in supporting grassroots rugby league in the north-east, complimenting the expanding work the club are undertaking through their regional development academies over the past twelve months.
In addition, the clubs will work closely off the field sharing best practice in several areas, as well as the opportunity for joint training sessions.
Newcastle, coached by former Hull FC player Chris Thorman, will provide a competitive playing opportunity for Hull FC squad members, with the second division outfit aiming for a strong campaign across an impressive looking Betfred Championship.
Meanwhile, current Hull FC assistant coach Stanley Gene, is a former coach at Thunder.
The north-east has become one of the sport’s key expansion areas in recent years, having successfully hosted six of the last seven Magic Weekends at St James’ Park, as well as the home of the Premier League side playing host to the opening game of the recent Rugby League World Cup as England defeated Samoa; Kingston Park similarly hosted several matches throughout the tournament.
With Hull FC also one of the best supported teams at Magic Weekend in Newcastle, Black & Whites’ supporters will also be invited to Kingston Park for Thunder’s annual Magic Weekend home game which is always a popular event.
Speaking about the partnership, Newcastle Thunder head coach, Chris Thorman, said:
“It is a positive move in several ways. Primarily from my point of view and probably the most important thing from the fans’ perspective is that we’re going to get some pretty good players playing for the club.
“It’s a lot different to previous agreements the club has had in the past with other Super League outfits. It’s built on the strong relationships we have with Hull FC. I know a lot of the staff and I’m excited to work with them going forward.
“We’ve identified a number of players that we will be getting to work with closely, possibly beyond the dual registration and getting some of the lads on season long loans.
“For me this works a lot better because rather than players coming in and out of the team, it allows us to always have that little bit more depth in the squad.
“The players available to us are all in a full-time environment at Hull from the age of 16, they are developing a strong programme there which will only enhance the environment we’re trying to create.
“It’s an exciting time for the club and we look forward to what the partnership brings.”
Meanwhile, Hull FC head coach Tony Smith, also said: “We are looking forward to working with Newcastle this year to enhance the playing opportunities for our squad.
“With reserve grade and dual registration, it is a fantastic opportunity for players at all levels within our club and the chance to experience a different environment.
“There is a good relationship at management level between the clubs, whilst both Stanley and myself have worked with Chris and been involved with Newcastle in the past, so it is a good fit.
“Newcastle are in a period of transition like ourselves with aspirations to progress and hopefully we can help support them in that project.
“Our club has been developing a long-term strategy for player development over the last couple of years both in Hull and further afield, and we can see how this partnership could really compliment that.”
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