Newcastle Thunder have confirmed the signing of Brad Ward as they continue their preparations for the new Championship season.
The former York Knights man joins on a deal for 2026 and becomes the eighth signing made by the club going into the new campaign.
He joins his former York teammates Bailey Antrobus, Sam Cook, Jude Ferreira and Joe Law in the North East, while Andy Djeukessi, Leo Tennison and King Vuniyayawa have also signed with the Championship club.
Ward, a Heworth junior, joined the Knights in 2022 and during his time there, he made 33 appearances for the club, scoring 12 tries. However, he has spent spells at Newcastle over the last two seasons and as returns to the club permanently having made 12 previous outings for the club.
In total, eight of those outings came last season with Ward showing his versatility under Graham Steadman, playing at wing, centre at full-back. All eight of those appearances ended in one-sided League 1 defeats, though, and he returns to the club looking to taste victory for the first time in Thunder colours.
“Brad has a great attitude and ambition, which were key factors in his signing,” head coach Steadman said on the club’s latest signing.
“We believe Brad aligns perfectly with the club’s long-term vision and culture, as we continue to develop both established players and emerging talent. In his time with Thunder in 2025 Brad proved he has what it takes to compete at this level.”
Newcastle get their Championship season underway on January 18 when they travel down to the Alexander Stadium to take on Midlands Hurricanes. They then take on Doncaster in the Challenge Cup.
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