Hull KR roadshow hits Town
Last updated 19:40, Thursday, 17 April 2008
WORKINGTON Town fans are in for a Challenge Cup treat when they host Super League Hull KR on Sunday, says former skipper Colin Armstrong.
He is one of a select band of players to turn out for both clubs, and he is still a Robins’ record-holder, 18 years after leaving the club for Derwent Park.
In August 1990 he booted 14 goals against Nottingham City, equalling a Robins’ kicking record now held by four players.
And the West Cumbrian still has an affection for the progressive Humberside outfit.
Armstrong said: “I’m chuffed that they are up in Super League and doing well. I always look for their result,” said Armstrong, who joined Rovers from Carlisle Raiders in 1987 and spent three years with the club.
“It would be nice if they had a good cup run. And I think they could maybe get in to the Super League play-offs.
“It used to be that Australian players coming over here were all over 35-years-old, but they’re now coming over still at their peak.
“Michael Vella is probably the best front-rower in Super League at the moment, and Jake Webster has set the competition on fire.
“They have some star players. They beat Bradford on Sunday and you have to be a good side to roll them over.”
Armstrong coached Town’s new Academy side last year, bringing Mark Routledge to the club, and he is still upset at not being given another crack at the job this season.
He predicts Rovers’ pace and power will prove too much for Town.
“Workington players will get a good pay-packet and that will be it,” said Armstrong, former boss of Cumberland League champs Seaton, who is keen to get back in to coaching, at a professional or amateur level.
Rovers’ playmaker Paul Cooke is urging boss Justin Morgan to pick him for the trip to Derwent Park, after missing the opening six games of the campaign due to suspension.
Cooke said: “When you’re not injured and not playing, it’s very tough and I want to play as many games as I can in my career, not just this season. I’ll be putting my hands up to play this weekend.
“I’m sure Justin will take the opportunity to rest one or two that have played a lot of games so far, but not me, I’m not in that category,” he added.
Town’s Shaun Lunt missed last weekends trip to York and he’s still rated touch-and-go for the Hull KR game.
Coach Dave Rotheram said: “Shaun’s normally a picture of health, but he’s not looking good at the moment.
“He’s a massive loss. For me, he’s the best No.9 outside Super League. He would walk in to any NL1 team and would be an understudy at most Super League clubs. He’s that good.”
Rotheram did receive some good news this week - he’s been selected as Scotland’s No2 coach for the World Cup in Australia.
He will join head coach Steve McCormack and the Scots’ squad on the plane for Australia on October 14, 12 days ahead of their opener against France in Canberra.
And the Town coach believes the Scots can pull off a shock and finish top of their group, which includes Fiji, who they face on November 5.
Rotheram said: “The game’s been kind to me and I’m honoured to be coaching in the World Cup.
“Of the 10 countries involved we are not fancied, but given the improvement since 2004, I’m confident we can win the group.
“France will be a big test. The Catalans’ better players are French and they are now third in Super League.”
Rotheram has assisted McCormack for the past four years with Scotland, who will be skippered by Wakefield scrum-half Danny Brough in the World Cup.
Rotheram added. “It’s very different to coaching a club side, as in the past, we have had the Scotland squad for only a couple of sessions before games.”
Town Flyer - Monday, MT Laws, Seaton, C5251; Tuesday, K McNicholas, Workington, B7391; Wednesday, Mona Bond, Seaton, A2116; yesterday, Shaun Nixon, Seaton, C5345; today, N S Lewthwaite, Carlisle, A3720. March draw: £200 travel voucher winner, Mrs M Cuthel, Seaton.
