Thunder loan for Cas prop

Gateshead have moved to sign Castleford forward Jonathon Payne on loan for the rest of the season.

Payne, 20, joined the Tigers from the Wakefield Wildcats Scholarship and featured in the pre-season friendly against York, but will be allowed to gain experience in Championship 1 for the rest of 2011.

Thunder Head Coach Richard Pell said: “Jonny is very well thought of at Castleford and they believe that he has a big future in the game.”

“As well as being well equipt for the physical side of the game, he is also a smart footballer and this is what makes him stand out when playing.”

“He will add another dimension to our game and will lead by example when playing.”

A prop forward, Payne earned the Under 20’s Most Improved Player of the Year award at Castleford last season.

Thunder Director of Rugby Chris Hood added: “We would like to thank Richard Wright, Terry Matterson, Steve Gill, Richard Tunningley and the Castleford Tigers club for their support and assistance in this deal.”