All Golds v Newcastle Thunder KPL1 2017
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KEY MAN<br />
ONE TO WATCH<br />
Halfback Benn Hardcastle has become a<br />
pivotal part of the <strong>Newcastle</strong> squad since first<br />
joining in 2013 from the Hull KR academy. He is<br />
now in his second spell in the northeast, having<br />
spent 2014 with York City Knights and last year<br />
became the club’s all-time leading point scorer,<br />
surpassing the 500 mark this season. While<br />
not a particularly prolific try-scorer himself,<br />
Hardcastle creates countless opportunities<br />
for the likes of Blair and Fox out wide, with his<br />
vision and core skills being<br />
key assets in his game. He’s formed a great<br />
partnership with local talent Lewis Young and<br />
will cause problems for the <strong>All</strong> <strong>Golds</strong> defence<br />
all afternoon.<br />
Outside back Ali Blair has become a key part<br />
of the <strong>Newcastle</strong> squad and is leading the<br />
way for the northeast’s rugby league talent.<br />
The 27-year-old joined <strong>Thunder</strong> in 2015 from<br />
rugby union outfit Percy Park RFC and has<br />
since become a sensation for the club, scoring<br />
15 tries in 33 games in his first two seasons. His<br />
hard running style makes him not only a threat<br />
from close range, but also when driving the ball<br />
out from his own half, as he takes plenty of runs<br />
to get his side out of dangerous situations. His<br />
explosive speed makes him an all-round solid<br />
player and with enough ball distribution from<br />
those inside him, a potent threat on the wing.<br />
His try-scoring record has continued in <strong>2017</strong>,<br />
with six in eight games already but having not<br />
scored in his side’s past two games, Blair will be<br />
eager for any chance at the <strong>All</strong> <strong>Golds</strong> line.<br />
STATS<br />
HIGHEST SCORE:<br />
66-6 v Wakefield, 5/9/99; 66-6 v Skolars, 29/6/2014<br />
HIGHEST SCORE AGAINST:<br />
0-132 v Blackpool Panthers, 16/5/2010<br />
MOST APPEARANCES:<br />
218 – Robin Peers 2002-2012<br />
HIGHEST POINT SCORER:<br />
519 – Benn Hardcastle 2013 – present<br />
HIGHEST TRY SCORER:<br />
74 – Kevin Neighbour 2001-2006; 2008-2010<br />
13<br />
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