Bob Beswick departs Toronto to join Newcastle Thunder

Newcastle Thunder have signed veteran hooker Bob Beswick from Toronto Wolfpack.

Beswick, 34, was part of the Wolfpack’s inaugural squad, making 65 appearances across three seasons for the Canadian club.

He said: “I’m really excited to be joining Newcastle and working with Simon again. I’m looking forward to contributing to a passionate and committed group and working towards a successful season in 2020.

“That will take hard work and I can’t wait to get started in pre-season. I’m also keen to explore a great city and meet some new faces along the way.”

Beswick started his career at Wigan, making his debut back in 2004, before moving on to Widnes, Halifax and Leigh.

He has also won 26 caps for Ireland, and worked with current Thunder coach Simon Finnigan at Toronto, when he was assistant, as well as playing alongside him at international level.

Finnigan said: “We knew Bob was available towards the end of the season and he’s obviously a player who I have known for quite a while. He is a quite an experienced player so he knows how to play the game and he has played at the level we areat, so that won’t phase him and he will understand the obstacles that brings.

“He will add quite a lot to our group and I am really excited about him coming in because through speaking to him, he’s desperate to get going so we will have an energised Bob Beswick which is a good thing.”