Trialist Connor Clayton hoping for Newcastle chance

Newcastle’s trialist Connor Clayton has impressed in pre-season and is hoping to stake a claim in Jason Payne’s squad ahead of the new season.

Clayton has set good impressions at Thunder while on trial in pre-season.

The 25-year-old came through the Halifax youth system and is set to compete for a place at hooker alongside Keal Carlile and Evan Simons this year.

On Clayton’s trial, Payne said: “Connor is someone I’ve known for many years through Northumbria [University] where he captained for a while.

“He is a great leader with tons of potential which is propelled by his professional behaviour when training.

“The change of his position from a middle to hooker has been working well and I’m looking forward to seeing how he performs in the upcoming friendlies.”