The first two weeks of training will be held at 7pm on the all-weather court at Cramlington Sporting Club before moving to the normal grass training area behind the Junior Learning Village on Wednesday 28th March.

Having reached the North East Premier Division Grand Final before missing out to Wallsend Eagles, the men in orange will be looking to go one better in the 2018 season.

“We had a great season and there’s a strong platform to build upon” says Chairman, Jeff Ball.

There’s a lot of depth and talent in our player pool and we will be looking to run a second team this year with friendlies against local sides.”

Training will be lead by a coaching triumvirate of Jordan Robinson, Danny Gilroy and Steve Beaty after last year’s coach, Dave Townend was unable to commit to the role due to increased work commitments.

“We’re incredibly grateful to Dave for his efforts last season that took us to new heights” continued Ball.

“We developed a long-term plan for the Open Age set up several years ago as we want it to be both the pinnacle of the club that our juniors aspire to play in but also the best side in the North East.

The last two years have been a significant step towards that but there is still a lot of work to do. I am confident with the coaches we have this season it will be another exciting season.”

The coaching set up for 2018 has a depth of experience the envy of any community club.

Jordan Robinson has twice been nominated for national Children’s Coach of the Year, while Steve Beaty and Danny Gilroy have both received the RFL North East Contribution to Rugby League Award.

More recently, Gilroy was shortlisted for Alnwick & District Coach of the Year and Beaty was named a Sport Newcastle Unsung Hero.

All aged around 30 themselves and still able to pull on their boots, they are already familiar with many of the current players given over 75% of last season’s squad had come through the Rockets junior ranks.

“While we have a good mix of seniors and junior players, the average age was around 20 years old last year” continues Ball.

“It meant that we were able to play a fast and exciting style of rugby built upon some aggressive defence and I imagine this year will be the same.”

Open Age is for any players aged 16 and over, with those that finished playing junior rugby in the last couple of years encouraged to come down and get involved.

This year sees Nando's continue as a sponsor and will be offering a 10% discount to any players who visit their Cramlington branch on Wednesday nights.

To find out more, email info@cramlingtonrockets.co.uk or message the club on social media.