Rugby League has existed in many forms on Tyneside over the years. Wallsend RFC flirted with the code in the early years of the Northern Union, and a South Shields team joined the Professional ranks at the turn of the Twentieth Century. Several other teams have come and gone in the intervening years, prior to the birth of the Thunder. Of all attempts to establish a professional team in the area, Gateshead Thunder, in longevity terms at least, are by far the most successful.

Rugby League first came to prominence at Gateshead back in 1934 when Great Britain retained The Ashes with a 19-14 victory in front of a 15,576 crowd at Redheugh Park, the home of Gateshead Football Club, who now share the 11,750 all-seater International Stadium, aka "The Thunderdome" with Gateshead Thunder.

Despite early season problems in attracting fans to a new summer sport, by the end of the campaign the average gate had risen to a creditable 3,700, more than premiership union neighbours Newcastle Falcons.

A hastily formed supporters' group, Thunder Storm, proved to be the catalyst for a new club in Gateshead, with businessmen Steve Worsnop and Dave Whickham spearheading Thunder Mark II's bid to rejoin the fold.

After the departure of the Yorkshire players, Chairmen Steve Worsnop resigned, and club sponsor Mike Jeffels took over the club through his Kicks Leisure organisation. Former Bramley coach Paul Fletcher was brought in, taking over a young, inexperienced and predominantly locally produced side.

The hastily formed management committee was successful in persuading the RFL to allow Gateshead Thunder to enter National League Two.

After the resignation of Paul Fletcher, the board appointed former Halifax and Ireland player Seamus McCallion as head coach.