Workington Town prop Rhys Clarke is going back to Newcastle as part of the Thunder coaching team.
Now aged 33, Clarke is re-uniting with coach Chris Thorman who first brought him to Derwent Park in 2021.
The Geordie was initially on a one-month trial at Derwent Park from Newcastle but that was extended in June of that year and he agreed a new contract for 2022.
Clarke has signed a one-year deal as player-assistant coach under Thorman with specific duties attached to Thunder’s reserve side.
He becomes Thorman’s first signing since it was announced Thorman had returned to a part-time set-up following the decision to axe full-time status.
He said: “I always thought I’d end up here again whether in a coaching or playing role.
“When I found out Chris was going to be the coach it was set to be a good match. I know the way he works and he knows the way I work.”
Thorman recruited a number of former Newcastle players for Town but Clarke is the first to be announced who is re-joining him in the north east.
