The North East-based amateur rugby league club has risen to be recognised as one of the UK’s leading clubs for community engagement in recent years, launching its own community department in 2014.

With plans to expand grassroots participation and build up to the Rugby League World Cup 2021 that will see five matches played across the region this autumn, Steve Beaty is set to become Newcastle Thunder Community Manager, and Danny Gilroy and Joe Eltringham are set to join as Community Development Officers.

The combination of the Rockets and Newcastle Thunder, who themselves are recognised as having one of the best community foundations outside of Super League and are looking forward to their first season in 11 years in the Betfred Championship following promotion over the winter, represents a huge boost to the North East game,

Steve Beaty was grateful for the efforts of everyone since Rockets Community launched: “It's hard to think that one small idea grew into one big family but that's what it's been like building Rockets Community.

Joining with Newcastle Thunder will give us an opportunity to reach a wider audience but still develop the existing relationships we have built. I am delighted to be joining as Community Manager. I believe it’s a club with massive potential and big ambitions and I look forward to bringing our beautiful game to a much bigger audience.”

Beaty continued: “I am also thrilled that Danny "Bear" Gilroy and Joe Elthringham will be joining the team as well. In my opinion Danny is one of the greatest community coaches in the country and Joe is a real rising star and I have no doubt they will both be a huge success at Thunder.

Finally, I want to say a massive thank you to Chairman Jeff Ball and everyone at Cramlington Rockets for the faith they have us over the past six years. I feel like we are taking that next step in our journey knowing we achieved everything we set out to and more.”

With the change set to take place from March 2021, all Cramlington Rockets school programmes and holiday camps will move over to Newcastle Thunder. Rocket Tots will be staying with the Cramlington club and more details about the plans for community activities will be announced as lockdown restrictions ease.

For more information, contact Steve Beaty on steve.beaty@newcastle-thunder.co.uk or 07984630083.