St Helens hooker Josh Eaves makes Championship move

Newcastle Thunder have signed hooker Josh Eaves from Super League champions St Helens on a one-year deal.

The 24-year-old came through the system at hometown club Saints, making his first team debut in 2019.

Eaves has made 41 career appearances to date, having spent time on loan at Whitehaven, Leigh and Wakefield.

He said: “Eamon (O’ Carroll) lives about ten minutes away from me so we met up. We had a coffee and chat about the club, the style of play being aimed for and that pretty much made up my mind.

“Eamon speaks very well about the club about how ambitious it is and the direction it wants to go; but also about the lifestyle that players enjoy up here.

“The ambition is something that I want to be a part of.”

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Newcastle coach delighted to secure Josh Eaves

Thunder boss Eamon O’Carroll said: “A big focus for us when recruiting was to bring in good players to help us develop on field, but more importantly, good people to drive a strong culture through the club.

“Josh is coming from a successful environment and I know he will bring some great qualities to our club. He will also set a good example to our young lads who we have brought into the squad.

“I had nothing but good feedback about Josh from his coaches and team-mates. After meeting him and listening to him I knew he would be the perfect fit for us.

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“He is at a stage in his career where he wants to cement a starting place in a team. I feel we can provide him with the right environment to do so and we can also help develop his game.

“I’m looking forward to working with Josh and building something up here in Newcastle with him and the rest of his new team-mates.”

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