A REMARKABLE recovery could be on the cards for Newcastle Thunder.

The club announced they were folding last week, following their relegation to League 1.

It looked to have marked a sad end to the club’s near 25-year history, as they attempted to try and grow the sport outside of its traditional heartlands.

But following an in-depth club meeting, they are hoping to be part of the sport after all in 2024 and beyond.

In a club statement released earlier today, they said: “We’re now exploring ways to keep our club alive for the 2024 season and establish a solid foundation from which we can rebuild.

“We remain committed to trying to make the start line for the 2024 season.

“To our supporters who want to find out about how we can all help the club survive, we’d like to invite you to attend a commitment meeting in the 1877 bar at Kingston Park Stadium on Tuesday 24th Oct at 18:00.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Kieran Gill scores a try for Bulls in their win at Kingston Park earlier this year.Kieran Gill scores a try for Bulls in their win at Kingston Park earlier this year. (Image: Tom Pearson.)

“It’s going to take a big effort from everyone but with the support of our great fans and sponsors we believe we can help turn Newcastle Thunder into a sustainable club and retain a pathway for the talented players within the region to flourish.”

It remains to be seen whether they are able to recover and play in the third tier after all.

After they dropped out, like London Skolars, only eight teams were left for 2024.

That octet included Hunslet and Keighley, both of whom have called for a conferenced system which would see a merger between the Championship and League 1.

The Rugby Football League have held talks with the eight third-tier clubs today, as they look to find a way of moving forward with such a small, geographically spread out, league.

Rugby league fans will be watching and waiting to see if Newcastle’s announcement changes anything on that front.