Newcastle Thunder have completed the signing of experienced Australian half back Ben Thorburn from Queensland Cup side South Logan Magpies, as the club continues to shape its 2016 Kingstone Press League 1 squad.
A talented half back, the 24 year old from Brisbane has been a regular feature for the Magpies in this year’s competition and brings valuable experience from League 1 having spent the 2014 season as part of the Hemel Stags squad.
Thorburn made a big impression in his stint at Pennine Way, which was cut short by an anterior cruciate ligament injury after five matches.
Fully recovered with a season back home under his belt, Thorburn will arrive refreshed and ready to make a name for himself in a Thunder shirt.
Speaking about the move, Thorburn said: “England allows us Australians a chance to play Rugby League and an opportunity to see more of the world. After getting that experience in 2013, the chance to join Thunder was one I had no hesitation in taking.”
“It is a club that has done a lot of rebuilding over the past couple of years and has every chance of kicking on further and that’s an exciting prospect.”
“With Michael [Head coach Mantelli] also from Australia, it makes me feel a bit more comfortable coming back to the UK and I’m looking forward to the New Year.”
Thorburn is the sixth player to be confirmed by the club for 2016, joining Ali Blair, Craig Boot, Derrell Olpherts, Evan Simons and Fran Welsh on the Thunder playing roster.