NEWCASTLE THUNDER REVEAL 2022 PERFORMANCE STAFF

As the club prepares for its players to begin pre-season training on November 1, Newcastle Thunder are pleased to confirm the make-up of its performance department for the 2022 season.

The Thunder first team will return to a full-time training regime ahead of the new season, with the club investing in strengthening of the back-room team as a result.

Director of rugby Denis Betts continues to overseas all rugby matters at Kingston Park Stadium, with his specific experience of moving a team from part time to full time with Widnes crucial in 2022.

Eamon O'Carroll enters his second season as Thunder's head coach, following a successful start to his tenure in 2021.

Taking the helm after arriving from Catalans Dragons, O’Carroll was able to retain the club’s second tier status and lay firm foundations to build upon this coming year. 

The first team's coaching set up is completed by Michael Heap returning to the role of assistant coach – a role that he voluntarily stepped down from the role at the end of the 2018 to fully focus on the club’s academy. 

Michael will also continue in the role of Academy Manager - overseeing the strategic objectives, progress and performance of the academy.

Supporting the coaches, Andy Woolfenden will oversee all aspects of the first teams physical preparations as Head of Strength and Conditioning; having previously held the same role at Widnes and working at Hull Kingston Rovers. 

Andy joined Thunder midway through the 2021 season and played a key role in implementing the hybrid training model which had a definite positive effect on performance. 

He will be joined by Keith McGrath who joins the club as assistant first team and head academy S&C coach. 

Hartlepool based Keith comes with a strong sport science background as well experience of working with young athletes, having worked across the age grades at his most recent role with Sheffield Wednesday. 

Durham born and based nutritionist Dan Wood will be continuing in his role with the academy as well as working closer with the first team, having gained previous experience with Warrington Wolves.

Thunder's medical department will continue to be overseen long serving club doctor, Dr Ian Blain. A Consultant in Emergency Medicine at James Cook University Hospital, Ian oversees a tremendous team of doctors at the club.

The day to day running of Thunder's medical department will be taken care of by Paul Miller who joins the club as head physiotherapist. 

Based in Hebburn and hailing from Peterlee, Paul joins with a wealth of experience as a senior physiotherapist within the NHS as well as holding roles with Durham County Cricket, Durham University RFC and Darlington Mowden Park. 

Paul will be supported by George Jackson who joins Thunder as the clubs lead sports therapist - responsible for assisting the first team and overseeing the medical provision for Thunder Academy. 

George has most recently worked with Bradford Bulls First Team and is relocating to the area.

In the Academy department, Mick Mantelli will continue in his role of Academy Head Coach.  The ever popular Australian, former Canberra Raiders NYC and Italy Assistant Coach will be pivotal in the development of players and coaches throughout all junior grades. 

Mick will work alongside Graeme Neighbour who joins the club in a full-time role as Junior Academy Manager, who will drive forward Thunder's player development programmes between the ages of 14-18.

This will include relaunching the College Academy in September 2022 as well as further strengthening Thunder's Talent ID and community club relationships, in both the North East and Cumbria. 

Both will continue to benefit from the experience of Thunder's lead psychologist, Dr Olly O'Mara who continues his strong links with the Academy alongside his day job as a consultant clinical psychologist and his own consultancy work.  Tom Lishman also continues in his role of academy sports psychologist.

Two more notable inclusions in Thunder's performance department are Academy graduates Adam Bielby and Todd Wilkinson. 

Both will be working across the club’s scholarship programme, with Adam assisting medically having recently graduated Northumbria University as a physiotherapist. 

Todd will hold the role of Development Coach as he continues studying Sports Coaching at Northumbria. 

The scholarship coaching team is further strengthened with community coach Joe Eltringham also stepping into the role of development coach, whilst community manager Steve Beaty and Durham Demons coach Paddy Claber provide further support. 

The first teams move to full time will also see constant player support for the Academy with a further exciting announcement on this in due course.

Speaking on the staffing structure, general manager Jordan Robinson said: "There has been considerable investment in our staffing structures ahead of the 2022 season in order to ensure that we effectively and efficiently transition into a full-time club. 

“Having eight full time members of staff within the performance department, plus a wealth of part time and volunteer staff, is a considerable step up for Thunder and will allow the club to continue to grow its strong foundations and push towards our future aims."