Barron can’t wait to get started

Wales international Matt Barron can’t wait for the start of the new season, after returning to Gateshead Thunder from York.

Barron, 25, was part of Gateshead’s 2008 National League 2 winning side and the forward was also part of the Wales squad that won the European Cup in 2009.

He told the club’s official website: “I had a great feeling when I signed, and with the success we’ve had in pre-season training I really can’t wait to really get stuck in and have a dig with the team.

“I’ve already had messages from fans wishing me the best this year and it really means a lot. All the fans are just as excited for the season as much as the players are, and we plan on giving them something to cheer about.”

One of Barron’s team-mates in the championship winning season was Kevin Neighbour, who is now Head Coach at the Gateshead International Stadium.

He is busy preparing his squad for this weekend’s friendly against Castleford, and says they are ready to go.

He said: “The guys look nice and refreshed form having their Christmas break.

“As well as physically recharged they needed the time to switch their minds off from Rugby and the routine of weekly training.”