NEWCASTLE THUNDER NAME SQUAD FOR VIKINGS

One change to the 21-man squad ahead of Sunday's trip to Cheshire

Newcastle Thunder have named an almost unchanged 21-man squad for this weekend’s Betfred Championship clash with Widnes Vikings, as Denis Betts’ side goes in search of a third win in four matches.

Former Vikings man Ted Chapelhow returns from injury ahead of the round 19 fixture and comes into the extended squad in place of Lewis Peachey.

The on-loan Castleford forward picked up a knock during the 53-10 win over Bradford Bulls last Friday and drops out as a result.

Chapelhow is included for the first time since retiring hurt from the 22-52 win over London Broncos in round 11, returning from injury a week after twin-brother Jay returned to action.

Newcastle are afforded continuity of personnel as dual registration duo Sam Halsall and Umyla Hanley are again made available by Wigan Warriors.

Halsall has proved to be a potent force for the north east club in 2022 scoring ten tries in nine appearances, with his latest coming last week against the Bulls.

He was one of Newcastle’s two try scorers back in April as the ground out a gutsy 12-6 win over the Vikings in round seven, with Gideon Boafo the other.

Having taken a win and a draw from their last two meetings with the Vikings, Thunder have enjoyed good recent form against Sunday’s hosts, however, if they are to maintain the recent good form, they will need to record a first-ever away win over John Kear’s men.

Sunday’s game will be broadcast live on BBC Radio Merseyside, with in-game updates also available via the Newcastle Thunder Twitter feed and Instagram story.

Newcastle Thunder squad

v Widnes Vikings – Sunday 17^th July KO 3pm

FROM

1 Craig Mullen, 2 Jack Johnson, 4 Sam Halsall, 5 Gideon Boafo, 6 Jake Shorrocks, 7 Josh Woods, 8 Nathan Wilde, 9 Josh Eaves, 10 Mitch Clark, 11 Alex Foster, 12 Brad Day, 14 Connor Bailey, 15 Ted Chapelhow, 16 Jay Chapelhow, 17 Ukuma Ta’ai, 20 Brad Gallagher, 23 Isaac Nokes, 31 Umyla Hanley, 36 Ellis Robson, 39 Ollie Roberts, 41 Tom Forber