Newcastle Thunder bid a fond farewell to Jordan Meads after Saturday’s match against Barrow Raiders, as the kiwi playmaker returned to the Southern Hemisphere following a year on Tyneside.
Having originally planned to spend both the 2015 and 2016 season’s with Thunder, family matters have necessitated that Meads return home, with the round 12 fixture in Cumbria his final outing before flying out.
Meads said: “I just want to say a massive thank you to Newcastle and especially the mighty Thunder for providing us with the time of our lives over the past 12 months!”
“Massive shout out to Keith, Stan, coaches, the Thunder Army and most of all the boys who will now be lifelong friends!”
Meads joined Thunder from Sunshine Coast outfit Kawana Dolphins and quickly established himself as a key member of Stanley Gene’s side.
Making 23 appearances in all competitions, the likeable 23 year old had an eye for the try line during his time in a Thunder shirt on his way to 15 four point scores and 66 points in total.
And while the adventure north has been prematurely curtailed, it is a path that Meads doesn’t rule out treading again.
“Family comes first but I would love to be back in a few months time and help Thunder get to where they deserve to be!
It’s an exciting club with some great people in the squad and on the management team and it’s somewhere I’ve felt very comfortable.”