Newcastle Thunder have not given up hope of re-emerging for the 2024 season in League One.
Although they did officially pull out of the competition earlier this month there have been encouraging noises coming out of the north east since then.
That will certainly please Workington Town and the other seven League One clubs who had been left high and dry with the departures of Thunder and London Skolars.
Hopes of a re-birth come after news that the Thunder’s former owner Semore Kurdi is taking all of Newcastle’s debt with him following his exit from the club.
That would leave Newcastle with a more stable base to put forward a business model to the RFL.
If that business model is given the thumbs up by the governing body, then Thunder will take part in the 2024 League One season.
Newcastle’s General Manager, Keith Christie told League Express that it is a very realistic option following a meeting earlier in the week.
“It was really fruitful, the amount of people that turned up it was good to see in such a short space of time. They made the statement that they wanted rugby league in the north east.
“What we have got to do is express a business model to the RFL. If I’m brutally honest, it’s not that clear but we have to put forward a business model that is sustainable for League One which will provide security and allow us to be competitive across all levels and maintain a level of professionalism on and off the field.
“Our ambition 100 per cent is to continue in League One next year – I think it is very realistic now. We have been inundated with support both from volunteers as well as financial help.
“What we also have to do is recognise the previous owner’s ownership on taking all the debt with him which has allowed us to do this.”
