Sam Hallas departs Newcastle Thunder to pursue opportunities away from game

Newcastle Thunder have announced the departure of Sam Hallas in order to pursue opportunities away from the game.

Hallas, 25, joined the club from Bradford on a two-year deal ahead of the 2022 campaign. He has started in all-but-one of Newcastle’s games this season.

Retaining his Yorkshire base after making the switch to Kingston Park Stadium, an opportunity closer to home away from the game has seen him make the decision to step away from full-time rugby league. A decision the player explains was ultimately, a hard call to make.

Sam Hallas on tough decision

Hallas said: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at Newcastle. It is a great club and a great bunch of lads who I have the ultimate respect for.

“Leaving is not a decision that I’ve taken lightly. But the opportunity I have back down home is one that I have to take for me and my family and it isn’t one that I can combine with full-time rugby league.

‘I’ll always be a fan of the Thunder and the project that’s happening up here. To have a complete team performance in my final appearance was the ideal finish for me and I wish all coaches, players and backroom staff every success in the future”

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Head coach O’Carroll has say on departing forward

Head coach Eamon O’Carroll added: “Sam has been a great player for us both on and off the field. I’d like to thank him for everything he has done since joining us back in the autumn.

“He is a good person and has contributed massively to the group. While we’re naturally disappointed that we won’t be able to call on him going forward, we understand his decision and support him in making it.

“He leaves us with nothing but our very best wishes for the future for both him and his partner Lucy.”

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