Thunder to sign Australian full-back

Gateshead have boosted their squad for the 2011 season with the capture of Australian full-back Mitchell Stevens.

The 21-year-old qualifies to play in Britain through his ancestry and Thunder director of rugby Chris Hood expects big things from Stevens.

“This is a huge signing for the club to attract a player of Mitchell’s calibre. There are not many players of his ability in this league,” he told the club’s website.

“Mitchell has played at an extremely high standard and has shown a lot of commitment in signing for us, which he must be commended for.

“It has taken a while to agree terms but I must say that it has been a pleasure dealing with Mitchell, his father Brett and agent Paul Sutton, all who have work as hard as myself to make sure that the deal has gone through.”

Stevens spent last season with North Sydney Bears but was sacked by the club after being found guilty of biting the ear of an opponent. He was suspended for ten weeks following the incident.