Craig Mullen retained for the 2023 season

Newcastle Thunder is delighted to announce that they have retained the services of Craig Mullen for the upcoming season.

Following the return to part-time status for the 2023 campaign, the club will be announcing a number of players, over the coming weeks, who will be staying in the North.

First on that list is fullback Craig Mullen.

Mullen a product of the Wigan Warriors academy joined Thunder from Leigh Centurions, now rebranded as Leigh Leopards, ahead of the 2022 season. The 24-year-old has also enjoyed stints at League 1 sides Swinton Lions and London Skolars.

In his maiden season at Thunder, Mullen featured 20 times for the club and in return scored six tries and kicked 11 goals, taking his points tally to 46.

Speaking on his decision to stay in the North East, Mullen said: “I’m really looking forward to what is ahead!

“It’ll be good to link up with the lads again and seeing what the year has in store of us.

“I would say I’m looking forward to preseason but who in their right mind enjoys preseason?”

Commenting on the announcement and the squad for the upcoming season Newcastle Thunder Chair, Keith Christie said: “It’s naturally been a turbulent time for a lot of the lads over the last few months with the return to part time status, but we’re delighted to have been able to retain some of the great talent from last year.

“This is a really great opportunity for us to reset, rebuild and ensure we build solid foundations for Thunder moving forward. This is about solidifying the future of rugby league in the North East and ensuring we do everything we can to grow the sport and create a platform for our players for years to come.

“I’m personally very pleased that some of the lads from last year will be around to be part of that and as a club we want to thank them for their ongoing commitment to Newcastle Thunder.” 

Stay tuned for more announcements in the coming days.