PAUL Stamp and Ashley Thackeray will make their Gateshead Thunder debuts in Whitehaven tomorrow (3pm) with director of rugby Chris Hood excited by what they will bring to his struggling side, writes STUART RAYNER.

Bottom of the table and without a Championship One win since March 2010, Thunder have nothing to play for in their last five matches of the season.

However, it has not stopped Hood (pictured below) pressing on with plans for next summer.

Half-back Stamp’s arrival from York City Knights was announced yesterday.

Like winger/centre Thackeray, he has joined for the rest of the season.

With Danny Wilson and Mike Mitchell extending their loans from York, Hood is looking forward to the final weeks of what has been another depressing season at the International Stadium.

He said: “Paul and Ash will be big additions for us because they are two very big, experienced players who have shown a high level of ability.