The coaching plans in 2026 for former Great Britain international and Castleford Tigers legend Graham Steadman have been confirmed.

Steadman is known as one of the finest players in Castleford Tigers history with the former playmaker playing almost 250 games for the West Yorkshire club between 1989 and 1997.

He’s previously played for Featherstone Rovers, York and Gold Coast after starting out at Huddersfield, but it was at Castleford where he became a fan favourite, and during that period when he earned his Great Britain caps.

After retirement from playing, he’d move into coaching with a three-year spell at Castleford Tigers from 2001 onwards but he returned to a head coaching role earlier this year when he took the job at Newcastle Thunder.

Steadman took over from Chris Thorman and coached the final nine games of Thunder’s campaign in League One and it’s now been confirmed that he will lead the North East side into the 2026 season as well.

Castleford Tigers legend confirmed as Championship coach for 2026

Thunder will be part of an expanded second division in 2026 with the Championship and League One amalgamating to form a 21-team league.

Newcastle had finished at the foot of League One so they may be fearful of playing some of those top Championship teams, though it’s expected that some form of tiering around fixtures will happen, though no plans have been confirmed yet.

What has been confirmed is Steadman’s commitment to the club with Newcastle sharing a statement to announce that following a series of other appointments.

The statement explained: “Steadman continues at Newcastle Thunder with the mission to elevate performance, embed a winning culture and nurture the region’s talent base. His appointment is the next strategic move following the earlier announcements of Richie Metcalfe as CEO and Steven Watkinson as General Manager, aligning the club’s leadership team for bold progress.”

Speaking on his appointment, Steadman said: “I’m absolutely delighted, privileged and honoured to be given this opportunity.

“I’m really excited about the future of Thunder and what we can build based on the strong foundations laid by the young men of Thunder — without them, we wouldn’t be in this position.

“These boys kept the club in the competition, and I’m looking forward to a great pre-season and our Performance Pathways Partnership with York RLFC. We’re determined to make sure Thunder is visible and active in and around the city of Newcastle.”

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Newcastle Thunder continue with Graham Steadman as Head Coach

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— Newcastle Thunder (@ThunderRugby) October 31, 2025