Wakefield forward joins Newcastle on loan as Thunder re-sign club legend

Championship club Newcastle have signed young forward Dane Windrow on loan from Super League club Wakefield for the rest of the season.

The 20-year-old is a member of Wakefield’s first team squad although he has yet to make his Super League debut.

Windrow has enjoyed loan spells on loan with Oldham and Dewsbury over the past two seasons.

On his loan to Newcastle, Windrow said: “I am looking forward to ripping in here, they are a good set of lads.

“It is also a great opportunity for me personally and my development as a player.”

Newcastle coach Chris Thorman said: “He has come from Wakefield with good recommendations from Mark Applegarth and James Ford.

“He is a back-rower that has joined out of necessity as we have had quite a few injuries to the squad but he is more than capable and we are looking forward to having him in the squad – he also trained this week and fitted in well which is another positive.

“On the pitch he is a big body and a big aggressive ball carrier. He is a Dewsbury lad so knows the game very well and he is going to add some strike on the edge for us which is something we need.”

Newcastle re-sign club legend

Returning to Thunder is Evan Simons, who has signed a deal with the Championship club until the end of the season.

The 31-year-old scored 43 tries in 145 appearances for Newcastle between 2015-21. He spent last season playing for Cumbrian side Workington.

Speaking on his return to Thunder, Simons said: “It’s great to have signed again for Thunder, I have spent a lot of my playing years here and the shirt means a lot to me.

“I worked with Chris last year and he has been a big part of the reason I am back at the club. I know how much it means to him and he knows I’ll give everything I can for the team.

“I’m looking forward to linking back up with the lads I already know and meeting the lads I’ve not met.

“There is some hard work to be done in this tough league but I am more than ready to get to work with the lads.

“It’ll also be great to get back out at Kingston Park pitch in front of our fantastic fans.”

Thorman added: “Evan has played a number of games for Thunder previously, so he’s obviously going to be well known at the club.

“He’s someone who is going to offer us strength in depth. He’s a versatile forward and offers us that flexibility.

“He can play hooker, he can play loose forward, and we probably need someone to compliment Curtis Davies, who has been one of our best players this season.

“He hasn’t played for a short while, so we’re keen to get him in to understand our systems. He’s done one session so far and he’s looked sharp so we’re excited for what’s to come.”

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