Northumbrian contributors need a bit of a hand (5)

I believe the answer is:

thumb

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'a bit of a hand' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'northumbrian contributors need' is the wordplay.
'need' says the answer is hidden in the clue (I've seen 'needs' mean this).
'THUMB' can be found hidden inside 'northumbrian contributors'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for thumb that I've seen before include "Hitchhike - ..... a lift" , "Indicate need for lift" , "could do it for a lift" , "Tom's digit" , "Travel by . . . . . - hitchhike" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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