Thunder sign England

Gateshead Thunder have signed Castleford Tigers forward Anthony England on loan until the beginning of August.

England re-signed for the Tigers at the beginning of this season, and joins current loanees Nathan Massey and Jamie Cording in the North East.

He is the eighth Tiger to make the switch after similar loan deals for Jonathan Walker and Joe Arundel – both now back with Castleford – were agreed at the start of the season.

Jason Payne, Michael Knowles and Andrew Henderson are three players who have made the switch permanently.

Chief Executive Rod Findlay said: “Gateshead Thunder are very grateful to Castleford Tigers for the loan of another player. We have excellent relationships with the club at all levels.

“I worked with Castleford Chief Executive, Richard Wright, closely when I was at the RFL and we have continued to work together and stay in touch since I joined Thunder and after our Boxing Day Friendly in 2008. 

“I also know that our coaching department work closely with Castleford’s coaching department. Thunder conditioner Alan Dickinson knows the Tigers very well having worked there in their successful campaign to gain promotion and Alan has a keen eye for emerging talent from Castleford.”

England should be available for Sunday’s game against Halifax, permitting clearance from the Rugby Football League.