Paddy Burns signs for Thunder

Newcastle Thunder are delighted to welcome Paddy Burns into the first team fold on a deal until the end of the 2023 season.

The 25-year-old has previous Betfred Championship experience having played for Sheffield Eagles.

In four seasons at the South Yorkshire club, between 2018 to 2021, the back-rower made 52 appearances, scoring three tries.

Burns departed the Eagles following the conclusion of the 2021 season and has also made a single appearance for League One side Hemel Stags in 2018.

Speaking on the club’s latest arrival, head coach Chris Thorman said: “It was through a conversation I had with Mark Aston, who made me aware that Paddy had moved to the North East and was looking for an opportunity, initially just to train.

"He’s played a lot of games in the championship and is a tough back-rower, that's really good at doing the basics.

"Above all else his attitude has been exceptional since he arrived. We gave him a training block and unfortunately for us the Reserves haven’t quite had a game, so we’ve not been able to see him in action, which we were keen to do.

"We’ve been impressed with his approach, his attitude and from that decided to give him an opportunity and sign him up.

"He absolutely understands his role and offers a bit more experience to our group, which we know isn't massively experienced. He also gives us depth in a position we're lacking in.

"He’s been pretty well schooled by Mark Aston and the group at Sheffield but above all else and like I’ve said his attitude has been fantastic.

"He’s come in with no expectations, not wanting anything and has been a great addition to the training group."

Photography credit: Sheffield Eagles.