It is a historic move for a North East side, all the more so given they have been accepted into the Premier Division, arguably the highest level for U16s in the UK.

The development of this Rockets team in recent years has been impressive, dominating the North East competition and competing with a number of the country’s leading sides in friendlies and more recently in 2018, as part of an ongoing BARLA National Cup campaign.

With 13 of the squad a part of the Newcastle Thunder Academy and three players having gained international honours in the last year, it is a team that promises to be a challenge for all it faces.

“It’s about getting the players to the right level of competition” observed coach, Jordan Robinson. “They have shown themselves capable of competing at the highest level on an occasional basis, now we will see if they can do it all season.”

“This is a big move for the club” says Chairman, Jeff Ball. “A lot of credit must go to the team’s coaches who have really pushed the development of the players, but also to the players’ families, who have been very supportive.

This is the last year of junior rugby for the majority of the squad and it’s going to be a fascinating season that really pushes them to their limits.”

The move means that the Rockets will still have one side competing in the North East league, the U16s Orange squad.

Ball added: “We’re incredibly blessed by how many quality players we have at the club at this age and the Orange squad will I’m sure be challenging for top spot come the end of the season.

The North East is expecting to see more players participating in rugby league this year than ever before, and we will once again be fielding teams at every age group.

When you consider the development of the U14s, the work happening at U12 and below and an open age side looking to improve on its Grand Final appearance in 2017, its set to be another entertaining year for all involved.”

Fixtures for all teams can be found on www.rugby-league.com under the relevant league pages or on www.cramlingtonrockets.co.uk.