The RFL

Andrew Henderson, Gateshead Thunder’s latest arrival, has been given the Number 9 Squad number – an important squad number in both rugby league and North East sport. Andrew Henderson arrived for pre-season training on Sunday and was immediately rewarded with the Number 9 squad number.

Henderson joins Gateshead Thunder for their first ever season in rugby league’s Co-operative Championship on a 2 year deal from Super League outfit Castleford Tigers. He started pre-season training later than his colleagues having stayed in Australia after the Rugby League World Cup 2008 at which he represented Scotland. Scotland recorded their first ever rugby league World Cup win, beating eventual semi-finalists Fiji 18-16 before finishing the tournament in 8th position. Henderson stayed on in Australia after the October/November tournament in order to get married and as his wife, Rachel, was pregnant. She has now given birth to the couple’s 2nd child. The family are looking forward to relocating to the North East.

Andrew Henderson stated:

“After I made the decision to leave Castleford I had a few offers but I jumped at the chance with Gateshead Thunder. I was shown around the pitch and training facilities and they are on a par or better than many Super League clubs. I was shown around NewcastleGateshead when I visited the club and I was immediately impressed with the area. I am looking forward to moving to the North East -  as is my wife, who has family in County Durham.”

“I have played in Super League and won the Co-operative Championship Grand Final twice and I am looking forward to more on-field success when the season starts. I cannot wait for the famous North East welcome at our first home game at 3pm on Sunday 15 February 2009 against Sheffield Eagles.

“I know how passionate North East fans are about sport and I know they will be right behinf Thunder in our first season in the Co-operative Championship. It is a tough and good quality league, but having trained with the guys I know we will be competitive and we have a lot of ambition at the club – on and off the field.”

Henderson was born in Torquay and raised on the Australian Central Coast. Each of his 2 brothers  - Ian and Kevin - play professional rugby league but they had never played competitively in the same team until playing together for Scotland in the 2008 rugby league World Cup. The brothers qualified to play for Scotland through their father, who lives on the Central Coast, and who has recently had a bone marrow operation.

Thunder Chief Executive, Rod Findlay, commented:

“We are really pleased to welcome a player of the proven quality of Andrew Henderson. I am sure the North East sports fans will recognise the importance of the Number 9 squad number. It was natural to make Andrew our Number 9 particularly when you think he’s just played for his country at the rugby league World Cup and was captain of a Super League club before joining Thunder. ”

Chris Hood, Acting Coach Gateshead Thunder commented:

“Andrew has only been in a few days but already we can see what a positive influence he is having on the team. He has so much experience that we can all tap into during our first season in the Co-operative Championship.”

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