Halifax last made the trip to Kingston Park stadium in May last year as they powered to a 32-0 victory. The reverse fixture was far from straightforward as the Thunder - who were 12-0 down at half-time - battled back and came within two points of striking a significant upset at the Shay.
This time round, the Panthers will arrive in the North East on the back of a comfortable 40-18 victory over Barrow Raiders.
Zack McComb scored a second-half brace in that victory despite having to switch positions to the wing following James Woodburn-Hall’s injury.
“It’s always good to get over,” said the 26-year-old. “Obviously I went to the wing, started getting a bit more ball, a bit of service from Saltonstall. Probably better service then I give him actually. Good to get over and a good win for us.”
When asked about the difficulty of switching positions, he added: “It’s not too tough because I’ve done a lot of pre-season there and I played a lot of games there as well. I don’t mind it so much now.
"If I went somewhere a bit wild like back row or full back, I think I might have been a bit nervous. But wing, I don’t mind so much.”
A win over Newcastle this weekend could move Halifax into the top six for the first time this season.
Looking ahead to Saturday’s trip, McComb said: “We’ve got a good side and we’re playing well at the minute.
“It’s four [wins] on the bounce so just keep moving, keeping rolling, and wins will keep coming. But they’re a good side so we’ve got to respect Newcastle and prep well.”