NEWCASTLE THUNDER embark on a new era in the club’s history tomorrow as they take on Cumbrian side Wath Brow Hornets in the third round of the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup, writes Joseph Pearson.

The North-East’s only professional rugby league team have dropped Gateshead from their name and will play their home games at Kingston Park.

Thunder linked with the Newcastle Falcons last season, and the newly-formed national rugby league structure will see them remain in the third tier as part of the renamed League One competition.

Club captain Jason Payne said: “It’s probably the biggest thing that’s happened in the club’s history.

“I’ve been here nearly ten years now and it’s certainly the biggest thing that’s happened while I’ve been here. It opens so many doors and we can have a Super League dream.”

Rugby League’s Magic Weekend will be at St James’ Park, in Newcastle, on May 30-31, making 2015 a huge year for the sport in the region.

Last season was the best in Thunder’s recent history as they reached the play-offs, and the link with Falcons gives them further grounds for captious optimism.

Managing director Keith Christie said: “It’s about honesty and reality. We’re at a new facility here and what’s changed is that we have a new pitch to play on.

“We’ve come to a purpose-built ground that allows us to train when we want and how we want. We’ve got an opportunity to really make a name for ourselves, but it’s about doing it honestly and properly.

“When you bring yourself to a professional club such as Newcastle Falcons you’ve got a world-class manager in Dean Richards. It’s about long term and building things, and he does it in a professional manner.”

Thunder’s league has expanded from nine to 14 teams, and will feature four sides that have dropped down from the level above.

Head Coach Stanley Gene added: “It’s exciting and at the same time a challenge. Last year there was no pressure, but there is this year and that’s what the job is all about.

“We have all the good facilities here. Last year, we were training everywhere. Everything is good including our preparation, and it helps having people like Keith in the office with everything he’s done.

“Now it’s down to the players to go out and perform. If they’re not honest and don’t stick to what we practice – that’s when I get angry at times.”

Tomorrow’s game will offer a decent early test, with Wath Brow having made it into the third round of the Challenge Cup with a 27-12 win over Castleford Lock Lane in round two.

Thunder’s opening League One game sees them entertain Barrow Raiders on Friday, April 3, before they travel to North Wales Crusaders nine days later.

The Magic Weekend in May will also give the club an opportunity to raise interest in rugby league in the North-East.

Christie added: “In my opinion it’s the biggest focus of rugby league in the North-East ever. We’ve had internationals up here, but nothing will be bigger than this and we need to take to full advantage of it.”