Ex-Rocket and Alnwick native, Jake Woods,19, impressed Thunder’s first team coaches with hisperformances for the club’s Under 19s academy in 2017 and will be hopeful of developing further in the club’s first team environment.

A product of Cramlington Rockets, Woods is a strong speedster with good hands and an ability to read the game well. Recognised as a player of potential from a young age, Woods made his England Youth debut back in 2014, the first player from Northumberland to achieve such an honour.

Speaking on his signing, Thunder head coach Jason Payne said: “I’m delighted Jake has taken the step up to first-grade rugby. He is a great athlete with a good rugby brain and I’m excited to see how his journey will progress over the next season.

“Hopefully he can continue to show some of the form that we have seen during his 19s fixtures. Jake travels from Alnwick every session which is a huge commitment so hopefully, he can have a big year and make the effort all worthwhile."

Woods becomes the second Rocket in recent months to join the Thunder first team, with Academy teammate, David Weetman also agreeing terms, back in October.