The newly-formed Consett Steelers Rugby League club hope to steal the limelight this summer in their inaugural season in the North East Men’s League.
 
The new Rugby League club are based at Consett rugby union club and will compete against teams across the North East including Ashington based Miners RL, Cramlington and Hartlepool.
 
Consett Steelers chairman, Dean Shaw said: “We’ve got a big rugby union club in Consett and over the last few summers a lot of our younger players were going to play for local Rugby League sides so we thought we’d set up our own team so they could play for us.
 
“The rugby union team dates back to 1923 and has produced players of the calibre of England international Matthew Tait. There is a huge player base in Consett with over 50 open age players as well as junior teams.
 
“Given time to develop this could turn into a successful year round operation for the whole club which will bring huge benefits for everyone involved.
 
“The players enjoy playing Rugby League in summer; it gives them the chance to play rugby all year round and the opportunity to try something new and different. We’ve also had positive feedback from spectators for the summer.
 
“There used to be a steel plant in Consett from the 1800s up until the 1980s so it’s good to have something to link the team with the town itself.”
 
For more information about the new team visit www.ptchero.com/clubs/consett which will have a dedicated Rugby League section or email deanshaw64@sky.com