I'm in. Some great stuff happening up there, most interestingly for me is the success at increasing participation numbers via the creation of a number of amateur clubs over the past few years. The below map was from the 1st of Jan, and since then a new club has popped up in Hexham. 16 junior clubs feeding into Thunder is a pretty handy catchment.

I've read thousands of daft posts. As we organise for providing SKY with a viable game that meets what they want, they will get dafter and dafter!! ANYWAY a quote on topic.......

"Dave Rotherham, the RFL’s Interim Chief On-Field Officer, said: “We’re pleased to confirm the acceptance of applications from Halifax and Newcastle Thunder to produce a 15-team Reserve Grade competition from 2020. Newcastle also submitted a thorough application which stressed the quality and quantity of their player supply through their established Academy structure. We will continue to support them, and other clubs, as we monitor the return of the structured Reserve Grade competition next season – which as stated previously, is seen as a vital step in the talent and performance pathway, developing high quality players for Super League and England".

Once in Superleague they will offer a pro-career to North East rugby lads London and Newcastle look good for 2022, viva expansion!

What SL player has Toronto produced?

Thorman captained Huddersfield in the 2006 Challenge Cup Final at stand-off half back against St. Helens. In June 2007 Thorman was called up to the Great Britain squad for the Test match against France. In June 2012, Thorman announced to be joining Super League's Huddersfield Giants as an assistant coach at the end of the season. On 3 May 2019, Thorman was appointed head coach at Workington Town, following the departure of former boss Leon Pryce.

The North East has already produced two legends - lets not be sidetracked by the trolling.....

That's good isn't it,Donnyman?

2 excellent examples of what can be achieved in an area prior to all those community clubs being formed,and a Thunder Academy.

I do hope that hasn't ended the talent progressing.

Fantastic motivation for Toronto.