Young North East rugby league players are being invited to join an exciting additional playing opportunity over the summer, as Newcastle Thunder launch a brand new origin series.

Taking place over five weeks, the series is for U15/16 players and will see regional sides representing North of Tyne, South of Tyne and County Durham train once a week, before playing games at Kingston Park Stadium.

Training begins on Tuesday 12th July, with an array of coaches from the community game leading the sessions, while Thunder academy coaches Lee Crooks, Michael Heap and Jordan Robinson will oversee one region each, with the series enhancing the club’s under 16 player development programme.

Players qualify for a region based on where they have played the majority of their junior rugby, with North of Tyne drafting from Cramlington Rockets, Whitley Bay Barbarians and Wallsend Eagles, South of Tyne from Winlaton Warriors, Gateshead Storm and Jarrow Vikings and Durham from Peterlee Pumas, Durham Demons, Durham Tigers and Catterick Crusaders.

If players would like to attend please contact the following:
North of Tyne - Jordan.robinson@newcastle-thunder.co.uk

Speaking at the launch of the new series, Thunder coach Michael Heap said: “We’re very excited to announce the new Origin series, which forms part of our Embed the Pathway programme and are looking forward to providing an additional playing opportunity to players around the region.

“The Pathway programme is aimed at developing junior rugby league players aged 12 to 16 and the three regionalised training hubs are entirely open access, so any junior player who would like to be involved can attend.

“The games will form part of the training programme and we expect to give every player an opportunity to play in the games. Origin is a popular concept and we hope that, along with the chance of playing at Kingston Park on a Friday evening will make it something that players really want to be involved with.”

Anthony Atherton, National Talent Development Officer added, "This is yet another example of innovation in the North East. Having an open access programme for U16s will extend the playing offer in the region whilst giving a progression from the Embed the Pathway sessions available for 12-14 year olds."

For more information on the Origin Series, contact Michael Heap via email Michael.heap@newcastle-thunder.co.uk.