{"id":371272,"date":"2026-01-15T11:58:09","date_gmt":"2026-01-15T11:58:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/371272\/"},"modified":"2026-01-15T11:58:09","modified_gmt":"2026-01-15T11:58:09","slug":"veteran-forward-makes-retirement-u-turn-as-released-super-league-pair-make-championship-move","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/371272\/","title":{"rendered":"Veteran forward makes retirement u-turn as released Super League pair make Championship move"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Two players let go by a Super League side have found a new club, including a forward who had decided to retire this off-season.<\/p>\n

York Knights announced a series of departures in early October and among them was Ukuma Ta\u2019ai, the former Huddersfield Giants forward, with the 38-year-old calling time on his playing career<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Just three months down the line and Ta\u2019ai has made a u-turn on that decision, opting to put the playing boots back on as he takes on a player coach role at Newcastle Thunder.<\/p>\n

It makes Ta\u2019ai the latest in a long line of players to move from York to Newcastle<\/a> with the two clubs having previously entered into an affiliation to work together, and that\u2019s seen a total of nine players so far make the move from North Yorkshire to the North East.<\/p>\n

Ta\u2019ai becomes the eighth with Ireland international Jack Brown also confirmed to be signing with Thunder. They will join Brenden Santi, Bailey Antrobus, Sam Cook, Jude Ferreira, Myles Harrison<\/a>, Joe Law and Brad Ward as players to have left York before their maiden Super League season to make the switch to Newcastle.<\/p>\n

Newcastle Thunder sign another two to have left Super League side<\/p>\n

Announcing Ta\u2019ais appointment as a player coach, Newcastle shared a statement that highlighted his experience and the value that he will bring to the club.<\/p>\n

They said: \u201cUkuma\u2019s influence is expected to be massive for a developing Thunder group, with his presence set to accelerate the growth of younger players and drive performance standards throughout the club.\u201d<\/p>\n

Head coach Graham Steadman added: \u201cHis knowledge of the game, professionalism and standards will be invaluable both on and off the field, as he takes on a dual role that will see him contribute as a senior player while also helping to develop and mentor the Thunder squad.\u201d<\/p>\n

As for Brown, who becomes the ninth to make the switch, the club said: \u201cNewcastle Thunder are delighted to announce the signing of Ireland international Jack Brown, who will join the club ahead of the 2026 Betfred Championship campaign.<\/p>\n

\u201cBrown brings valuable international experience to the North East, having represented Ireland on the rugby league stage, and adds quality, competitiveness to the Thunder squad as preparations begin for the 2026 season.\u201d<\/p>\n

Check out the latest episode of The Serious About Rugby League Show on\u00a0our YouTube channel here.<\/a><\/p>\n

Newcastle Thunder are delighted to announce the signing of Ireland international Jack Brown, who will join the club ahead of the 2026 Betfred Championship campaign.<\/p>\n

READ IN FULL > https:\/\/t.co\/BKWoEVNtqD<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/Ibng9u2bKD<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Newcastle Thunder (@ThunderRugby) January 15, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

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