Newcastle Thunder v Swinton Lions preview

After what seems like an eternity Newcastle Thunder finally get to start their League One campaign tomorrow.

Swinton Lions are the visitors to Crow Trees for a 17:00 kick off tomorrow.

The last time the two teams met Thunder came out victorious at Kingston Park. But as we know a fair bit has changed since then.

Chris Thorman has named a squad of locally based players not using dual registration agreements with Bradford and Hunslet. A couple of key players missing are Evan Lawther and Will Bate who offer experience for the young Thunder group.

Thunder are realistic about prospects this season with the games against Cornwall being huge in terms of progress. If anything League One looks stronger this season than last, we've already seen how strong North Wales are.

Swinton were relegated from The Championship last season and beat Whitehaven in their first league game of the season. They'll turn up on Tyneside as one of the favourites for the league this season and looking to put a marker down.

From a Thunder perspective we'll see a young team that won't take a backwards step. As I've said in the past we have a group of people at the club who care about it and we couldn't be in better hands. It was also encouraging to see a positive statement from Blaydon Rugby Club in the week about the relationship with Thunder.

A reminder that kick off is 17:00 tomorrow and tickets can be bought on the gate. Turn up and get behind Chris and the team!