One-year contract extension for Alex Donaghy

Full-back Alex Donaghy has signed up for another season with Newcastle Thunder.

The 21-year-old has made 23 appearances since his competitive debut for the club in 2020, with 12 of those coming last year.

Donaghy returned an impressive seven tries during what many would call his breakthrough season, with six of those coming in his last four outings.

The first player ever to feature at all levels of Thunder’s academy, Donaghy spoke on his decision to extend his stay at Newcastle Thunder, saying: “I’m happy to have signed an extension with the club.

“I’m really looking forward to work under our new head coach Chris Thorman, who I think will be great for my development.

“We’ve got a good group this year and I’m looking forward to seeing what we can achieve. Hopefully, I can continue my form from the back end of last season.”

Head coach Chris Thorman said: “If the club is going to have longevity and long-term success the core of the squad eventually needs to be made-up from players from the North East, and Alex is one of those guys. He’s represented the club through every age group.

“He's a local lad and played in the championship last year, which is going to serve him well. He's going to be much better for that this year.

“Alex is certainly a talented individual, he’s very quick and athletic but has some improvements in his game which I think I can help him with.”

Reflecting on the academy influence on players like Donaghy, Thorman added: “The importance of establishing our scholarships and academy is fundamental to our success. It gives the younger generation a platform to build on and develop into first team players.

“Alex is on that path like a number of the other boys, who we will announce in due course.”

Donaghy’s extension is the latest player announcement as Thorman looks to establish his squad ahead of pre-season.