Wigan pair join Championship club on loan
Newcastle Thunder have confirmed the season-long loan signings of forward Matty Nicholson and centre Alex Sutton from Wigan.
Nicholson, 18, returns to the Championship club from Wigan after featuring for Thunder against Bradford back in August.
Starting his rugby league journey at Siddal ARLFC, Nicholson joined the Warriors through the club’s scholarship programme at 14. He has worked his way through the youth system, and joined the first team squad in 2022.
Sutton, 19, joined Wigan as a scholarship prospect having started playing rugby league with Widnes Moorfield. He has progressed through the club’s academy structures.
Added to the first-team squad at the DW Stadium for the 2022 season, the youngster has been fully involved in the club’s pre-season preparations ahead of the loan between the clubs being agreed.
The Warriors retain a recall option on both players.
READ MORE: Wigan Warriors 2022 squad numbers
Nicholson looking forward to consistency
Speaking on the move to Kingston Park Stadium, Nicholson said: “Coming back on loan to Thunder will hopefully give me an opportunity to play a good standard of rugby consistently to keep trying on improving my game.
“I was here for one game last season and the boys were a good set of lads to be around. It was a big step up from playing academy rugby. But it was a good experience that I enjoyed and I’m hoping to be able to get more of that this season.”
Sutton to gain experience at Thunder
Sutton said: “I’m looking forward to being at Thunder and working hard to keep getting experience. I’ve been introduced to the first team at Wigan this year and have been involved in pre-season, but I’m coming on loan to hopefully gain some experience.
“I’ve only previously played against lads of a similar age up to know, so coming to a club like Thunder, I’m hoping to be able to get some game time against good opposition, which is something that the championship provides.”