Joe Sanderson came through the academy at powerful Super League outfit Leeds Rhinos, scoring 13 tries and landing 102 goals, at a superb success rate of 88 per cent, while playing for the club's under 19s.

Once he became ineligible at continue at that level due to his age, he joined League 1 club Hunslet in October, 2016.

"We were probably a bit short in the halves and we needed more creativity, which would allow (last season's halves) Robbie (Byatt) and Adrian (Purtell) to play in their more natural positions," president Rick O'Connell said.

"Joe looks quite impressive with the football."

The 22-year-old boasts an impressive highlights reel.

A terrific support player, Sanderson has racked up a host of tries, trailing through the centre of the ruck as so many good halves have traditionally done.

Sanderson also has an impressive passing game, particularly his ability to pop short balls and put team-mates into gaps.

He also moves well under heavy defensive pressure and has a clever and varied kicking game.

Off the field, Sanderson also has a background in the sport, working with Leeds Rhinos Foundation in schools and encouraging youngsters to play for a local amateur club.

The signing follows Shan Bradbrook's decision to join Thunder.

The 30-year-old is a contemporary of former New Zealand internationals Ben Matulino and Russell Packer and was scouted by NRL powerhouse Sydney Roosters in 2006.

However, the strongly-built halfback returned home without playing for the club and only returned to Australia four years ago, spending the past three seasons with Yanco-Wamoon in the neighbouring Group 20 competition.

The pair's signing means Thunder will field genuine playmakers for the first time in years.

"Even when we won those competitions (2012-14) we had three different halfbacks, so it's good to have the pair of them together," O'Connell said.

Sanderson is set to fly in around January 21, while Bradbrook will also move to the region next month.

Thunder has become a home away from home for English players with three forwards - Brad Hill, Brad Nicholson and Joe Lumb - playing crucial roles in the club's charge to finals last season.

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After missing finals the two previous years, the Border outfit stunned an in-form Wagga Brothers in the elimination final at Albury's Greenfield Park.

Thunder trailed the visitors, who had won eight of their past nine games heading into the sudden death clash, by 10 points late in the first half, before launching an attacking blitz, rattling up 32 unanswered points.

Tumut ended Thunder's season the following week, before claiming the title.

The recruits will add an expectation Thunder can remain in the finals.