The day will also see the North East Rugby league junior season officially launched with a 9s festival to be held at Kingston Park before the Thunder match. Two competitions will run at U13/14s and U15/16s and start at 11am. The Rockets are hoping to have several teams in both competitions.

When the festival is finished, everyone from North East Rugby League will be invited to feature in a BIG Launch photo. The action continues at half time when local U10s teams will be invited to play in front of the home crowd on the main pitch.

Entry to the festival and the Thunder match is FREE for players, only £5 for any parents and £2.50 for non-playing juniors wishing to watch the Barrow match. Refreshments will be available to purchase throughout the day.

There will be no training on Saturday 4th April.

The itinerary of the day is as follows:

10:30 – West Stand concourse open for team registration
11:00 – Festival to start
14:15 – Festival to finish
14:30 – NERL Junior launch photo with every player from every team in one BIG photo on the pitch and in the stand
15:00 – Thunder vs Barrow Raiders game
15:40 – U10’s teams Half Time games