Dual Registration Report: Cornwall beat Newcastle Thunder
Jake Watson • 24 March 2025
CORNWALL RLFC 32
NEWCASTLE THUNDER 22
By GARETH DAVIES, Memorial Ground
THE battle of League 1’s most remote outpost clubs went the way of the home side, as they eased aside a Thunder outfit without a win since 2023.
Although the final margin of victory was just 10 points, the game was as good as up for Newcastle when Australian centre Kye Jacobsen, making his Cornwall debut, finished with ease 25 minutes from time.
However, a combination of Newcastle resilience and Cornwall going away from the basics that had served them so well, led to a late points flurry from the visitors, which included two converted tries in the final eight minutes.
Playing down the fabled Memorial Ground slope in the opening 40, Cornwall saw prop forward Matt Ross, playing under dual-registration from London Broncos, held up over the line in their first attacking set.
Such was Cornwall’s dominance, every play the ball during the opening six minutes came in the Newcastle half. Twice the home side’s outstanding half back Adam Rusling almost played in winger Henry Symons out wide, but a combination of staunch Thunder defending and a loose final pass saw the deadlock remain unbroken.
Very much against the run of play, it was Thunder who capitalised on Cornwall letting a drop out find touch, to score first.
A kick in behind was gathered by Charlie Yeomans who successfully touched down, with Alex Donaghy tacking on the extra two.
The lead didn’t last long, though, with Rusling creating further opportunities, two of which were taken by rangy winger Symons in the far left corner.
The first was a straightforward touchdown after a flowing move, with the second coming from a deft grubber.
Rusling couldn’t convert either of Symons’ efforts, but Cornwall were in charge and bar the final exchanges, they were completely dominant.
Former Hull Kingston Rovers prospect Rusling thought he had a try of his own after 25 minutes, but referee Adam Williams pulled play back for a double movement.
Cornwall didn’t have to wait long for their third of the afternoon and it came from prop Sam Winney, who powered onto a short ball to crash over and Rusling made it into a six-point score.
Hooker Nathan Conroy, who ran riot against Newcastle in both games last term, then scampered over from dummy half and with Rusling kicking the extras, Cornwall had opened up a three-score lead.
Despite playing against the conditions in the second stanza, Cornwall continued on the front foot, with Llewellyn scoring an opportunist effort from dummy-half after 49 minutes, as the Newcastle defence went to sleep.
Six minutes later and Cornwall bagged another score as quick hands saw Jacobsen cut through to dot down. Rusling’s conversion hoisted the Choughs over the 30-point mark, with Newcastle on the ropes.
But the visitors rallied and Donaghy, the stand out Thunder player, snuck in out wide despite the attentions of Llewellyn, to stop the home momentum.
Cornwall were then guilty of errors and they couldn’t add to their tally with Newcastle finishing on the front foot.
Giant lock Harry Lowery powered over under the posts before the game’s only real flashpoint came with time ticking down.
Llewellyn took exception to Rusling’s rough treatment at the play the ball, with players coming from all corners to rush in.
Handbags ensued and when the dust had settled, Cornwall were penalised and Newcastle scored again through Donaghy, but it could not spoil the hosts party.
GAMEBREAKER: Brad Llewellyn’s opportunist try nine minutes into the second half saw Cornwall break visibly Newcastle’s resolve.
GAMESTAR: Cornwall full-back Brad Llewellyn was simply outstanding in both attack and defence for the Choughs.
MATCHFACTS
CORNWALL
6 Brad Llewellyn
5 Keenan Dyer-Dixon
16 Decarlo Trerise
24 Kye Jacobson
21 Henry Symons
27 Ben Dean
25 Adam Rusling
18 Matt Ross
26 Nathan Conroy
20 Sam Winney
13 David Weetman
12 Darcy Simpson
11 Elijah Simpson
Subs (all used)
22 Jake Lloyd
17 Josh Rhodes
10 Harry Boots
19 Jamie Jenkins
Tries: Symons (13,21), Winney (26), Conroy (38), Llewellyn (50), Jacobsen (55)
Goals: Rusling 4/6
THUNDER
1 Alex Donaghy
2 Mac Walsh
3 Michael Hanson
5 Sean Croston
4 Jake Dickinson
6 Charlie Yeomans
7 Elliott Shaw
X Harry Price
9 Will Linton
18 Josh Stoker
11 Alex Taylor
12 Jacob Bateman
10 Harry Lowery
Subs (all used)
14 Tom Siddle
15 George Birch
16 Lloyd Hall
17 Jamie Gill
Tries: Yeomans (12), Donaghy (60,78), Lowery 72
Goals: Donaghy ¾
Rugby Leaguer & League Express Men of the Match
Cornwall RLFC: Brad Llewellyn, Newcastle Thunder: Alex Donaghy
Half-time: 20-6
Referee: Adam Williams
Attendance: N/A
Scoring sequence: 0-6, 4-6, 8-6, 14-6, 20-6; 26-6, 32-6, 32-10, 32-16, 32-22
WHO HAS PLAYED FOR BOTH? London Broncos & York Knights London Broncos play host to York Knights on Saturday but can you tell me what players that have had both clubs play host to them? We have picked out some to have played for both in recent years but can you add any more to the list below? SAM DAVIS A London Broncos academy product, the Leicester born hooker has enjoyed two spells in the capital, sandwiched either side of a spell in the yellow and black of York. Davis played for London between 2016-2021 before moving to York signing a two year deal, however injuries meant he never really settled and rejoined London in 2023 initially on loan before signing permanent terms. Following relegation from Super League at the end of the 2024 season Davis would move to Salford however financial issues there has meant Davis has once again signed dual-registration terms. So, whilst it won’t be this weekend we could see more of Sammy in a Broncos jersey in the future.
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: London Broncos vs York Knights Mike Eccles has named his 21-man squad to face York Knights on Saturday (5pm KO) at The Cherry Red Records Stadium. Jenson Binks returns to the squad after missing the defeat to Halifax under HIA protocol in a welcome boost. Meanwhile, Lukas Mason & Kian McDermott return from Wigan Warriors after being unavailable for the previous few games. Emmanuel Waine plays the second game of his two week loan and Lennie Ellis joins Louix Gorman in coming from Hull KR and goes straight into the 21. Lennie Ellis is a 19-year-old half and hooker who made his first team debut against Wigan Warriors in 2023. Last season he played on loan in the Championship with Whitehaven and earlier this season played for Goole in League One.
THROWBACK THURSDAY: London Broncos MAGIC! On the eve of this year's Magic Weekend what better time to re-live our spectacular performance in the 2024 showpiece. London Broncos vs Hull FC was the opening game of the Weekend at Elland Road with both sides desperately looking to avoid finishing bottom of the division. Whilst The Black & Whites would finish off bottom spot by points difference it was Mike Eccles' side who would take the plaudits at Magic Weekend with a 29-4 win. Re-live the day with some of the best images and the video highlights below. #WeAreLondon
ANNOUNCEMENT: Sheffield Eagles match moved to Rosslyn Park FC London Broncos can confirm that the upcoming match with Sheffield Eagles on May 11th will now take place at Rosslyn Park FC. The decision has been made due to the uncertainty of the availability around The Cherry Red Records stadium with AFC Wimbledon potentially in play-off action on this date. Despite no current game definitely taking place on this date we have decided to make the decision now to avoid any late changes and allow fans from both teams to arrange necessary travel arrangements. The venue of the club's training ground at Rosslyn Park FC has been chosen to host this fixture due to its familiarity to supporters and players and therefore retaining home advantage. Rosslyn Park FC was the Club’s home ground during the 2021 season and has since been used to host fixtures for the London Broncos Women and the men’s Challenge Cup & 1895 Cup fixtures.
SULLIVAN SHIELD MATCH The 5th John Sullivan Trophy will take place on Saturday, May 24th at Harpenden Rugby Club. The game takes place in memory of former London Broncos academy player John Sullivan who tragically took his own life in 2014. The event aims to raise awareness of the issue of young male suicide and the importance of mental health more generally, in addition to raising funds for the Sullivan family’s chosen charity CALM – the Campaign Against Living Miserably .
IT'S GAMEWEEK!! London Broncos return to The Cherry Red Records Stadium on Saturday as we welcome York Knights to SW17 for Round 9 of the 2025 Championship campaign. The Broncos, who lost their first home league game of the season, in the previous home game against Batley will be looking to right those wrongs with a much needed win. The visitors currently sit in 6th place in the league table following 4 wins and 4 defeats from their opening 8 games. The game will take place on Saturday with a 5pm kick off with gates opening at 3pm. Ticket information and details can be found below.
Paul Sykes breaks another record! London Broncos all-time record points scorer Paul Sykes has become the first player in history to play in 27 consecutive seasons – and according to the Rugby League Record Keepers Club, that’s a new record. Sykes, who will turn 44 in August and was a member of the England squad for the 2008 World Cup, made his first competitive appearance of the 2025 season for Dewsbury Rams in Sunday’s Betfred League One fixture against Rochdale Hornets. And the man who previously held that record is Gus Risman, the Welsh Rugby League great who was a founder member of the sport’s Hall of Fame, having come north to play for Salford in 1929, then moved to Cumbria after the War to make more than 300 appearances for Workington Town, leading them to Wembley victory over Featherstone Rovers in the 1952 Challenge Cup Final.
FULL MATCH REPLAY: Halifax Panthers vs London Broncos You can now watch back the full 80 minutes of London Broncos Championship trip to Halifax at The Shay. #WeAreLondon
HIGHLIGHTS: Halifax Panthers vs London Broncos You can now watch the highlights from the Round 8 Championship clash with Halifax Panthers below. #WeAreLondon
MATCH GALLERY: Halifax Panthers vs London Broncos Another tough afternoon on the road for Mike Eccles' side as they lost to Halifax Panthers at The Shay. You can now take a look at the best images from the day below. Credit: Simon Hall #WeAreLondon
