2026 Betfred Championship Fixtures Confirmed

Newcastle Thunder are pleased to reveal their full fixture list for the 2026 Betfred Championship season, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the club in the newly formatted Betfred Championship.

Thunder will kick off the campaign away to Midlands, with the season opener set for 2:00pm, as Graham Steadman's squad look to start the year with a strong performance on the road. 

Thunder will also feature in a Good Friday clash away to Goole Vikings, a fixture expected to draw a holiday crowd and deliver one of the standout atmospheres of the season at the recently revitalised Pleasure Grounds.

From spring into the summer months, Thunder will transition to Saturday home matches at Blaydon, aligning with improved weather conditions, community events, and the club’s ambition to grow matchday attendance and experience. 

With two bank holidays on the horizon this May, fans can look forward to a pair of standout fixtures that promise to set the month alight.
Head Coach Graham Steadman said: “The 2026 fixture list gives us a great platform, with a strong mix of early games and some exciting summer clashes at Blaydon to look forward to. The new format of the competition provides new opportunities and that's something that should excite Thunder fans." 

CEO Richie Metcalfe said: “Working even closer with NERL clubs gives us a real opportunity to create meaningful matchday experiences and exciting curtain-raisers that bring communities together. With Armed Forces Weekend in June, it’s the perfect moment to honour those who serve, and offer fans a memorable celebration both on and off the field."

Thunder will be able to announce our Season Ticket package shortly.

Round 1 — 18-January — 14:00 — Alexander Stadium

Midlands Hurricanes v Newcastle Thunder

Round 2 — 01-February — 15:00 — The Ortus Rec

Whitehaven RLFC v Newcastle Thunder

Round 3 — 15-February — 15:00 — Blaydon RUFC

Newcastle Thunder v Dewsbury Rams

Round 4 — 22-February — 15:00 — Blaydon RUFC

Newcastle Thunder v North Wales Crusaders

Round 5 - Bye Week

Round 6 — 08-March — 15:00 — Heywood Road

Swinton Lions v Newcastle Thunder

Round 7 — 22-March — 15:00 — Blaydon RUFC

Newcastle Thunder v Keighley Cougars

Round 8 — 29-March — 15:00 — Blaydon RUFC

Newcastle Thunder v Workington Town

Round 9 — 03-April — 17:00 — Victoria Pleasure Grounds

Goole Vikings v Newcastle Thunder

Round 10 — 12-April — 15:00 — South Leeds Stadium

Hunslet RLFC v Newcastle Thunder

Round 11 — 25-April — 16:00 — Blaydon RUFC

Newcastle Thunder v Barrow Raiders

Round 12 — 02-May — 16:00 — Blaydon RUFC

Newcastle Thunder v Batley Bulldogs

Round 13 — 10-May — 15:00 — Crown Oil Arena

Rochdale Hornets v Newcastle Thunder

Round 14 — 23-May — 16:00 — Blaydon RUFC

Newcastle Thunder v Goole Vikings

Round 15 — 06-June — 16:00 — Blaydon RUFC

Newcastle Thunder v Hunslet RLFC

Round 16 — 14-June — 15:00 — Cougar Park

Keighley Cougars v Newcastle Thunder

Round 17 — 20-June — 16:00 — Blaydon RUFC

Newcastle Thunder v Rochdale Hornets

Round 18 — 27-June — 16:00 — Blaydon RUFC

Newcastle Thunder v Whitehaven RLFC

Round 19 — 11-July — 18:00 — Northern Competitions Stadium

Barrow Raiders v Newcastle Thunder

Round 20 — 19-July — 15:00 — Eirias Stadium

North Wales Crusaders v Newcastle Thunder

Round 21 — 25-July — 16:00 — Blaydon RUFC

Newcastle Thunder v Swinton Lions

Round 22 — 02-August — 15:00 — Fibrus Community Stadium

Workington Town v Newcastle Thunder

Round 23 — 09-August — 15:00 — The Fox’s Biscuits Stadium

Batley Bulldogs v Newcastle Thunder

Round 24 - Bye Week

Round 25 — 22-August — 16:00 — Blaydon RUFC

Newcastle Thunder v Midlands Hurricanes

Round 26 — 30-August — 15:00 — FLAIR Stadium

Dewsbury Rams v Newcastle Thunder