MORAN MAKES A CAPITAL MOVE TO NEWCASTLE THUNDER

Newcastle Thunder have added international calibre to their front row ranks for 2022, with the signing of Pat Moran from London Broncos.

Capped twice for Ireland to date, Moran is a product of Warrington academy and made his senior debut for the Wire in 2018’s Challenge Cup against Bradford Bulls.

Playing over 71 club games in his career to date, Moran has championship experience with Rochdale, Sheffield and Widnes as well as Broncos.

After his move to Ottawa Aces fell afoul of the Covid pandemic, Moran began the 2021 season in France with SO Avignon in Elite One.

Playing 10 games as the team finished fifth in the regular season and qualified for the end of season play-offs, he moved back to the UK in May to link up with the Broncos.

He joins former team mate Gideon Boafo in moving from the capital side to the north east for the new season and is looking forward to getting started.

Speaking on his move to Newcastle, Moran said: “I’m really looking forward to being at Newcastle, it’s a club with lots of potential and I’m looking forward to getting stuck in.

“I’m trying to have as many adventures as I can, I had a great time in France, enjoyed my time with London last year but I’m really excited about being part of what Thunder are trying to achieve.

“The first week of pre-season has been good and we have a good group of people here and I think we can look forward to a good season next year.”

Head coach Eamon O’ Carroll said: “We tried to get him in last year once his season was finished in France and nearly had it done, but he opted for London instead.

“I nearly didn’t get back in touch with him after that! But we monitored him throughout and I am glad we got to the point where we were able to bring him in, because he is going to add great value to the group.

I like that he took himself out of his comfort zone and went to France and he’s come back a different player. He has been really impressive in the first week of pre-season, he pushes himself and you can see he is hungry to play.”

Moran joins Jake Anderson, Gideon Boafo, Jay Chapelhow, Ted Chapelhow, Alex Donaghy, Brad Day, Jesse Dee, Josh Eaves, Alex Foster, Jack Johnson, Tom Minns, Craig Mullen, Ukuma Ta’ai and Josh Woods as confirmed members of Thunder’s 2022 squad.

Season ticket memberships to enjoy all the Betfred Championship action at Kingston Park Stadium are now on sale, with adult prices starting from just £190 for 13 games.

Click here for more information and details of how to purchase.