Last updated at 08:15, Friday, 12 March 2010

WORKINGTON Town have missed out on an Australian prop forward – after he could not meet the stringent new visa regulations.

The Aussie, currently playing in France, was keen to come to Derwent Park and coach Martin Oglanby was disappointed that their efforts to bring him over had been thwarted.

“We were interested in an Australian, who had connections with Parramatta, now playing in France. But when we looked into it he could play in Europe but didn’t fit the requirements for here,” explained Oglanby.

“We are disappointed. He is a cracking player, we had spoken to him and he was keen to come.

“Unfortunately he didn’t tick some of the boxes for the visa and now we are basically starting from scratch again.”

Oglanby warned that Town will have to be on top of York City Knights half-back Chris Thorman if they want to win their first home league game on Sunday (3pm ko).

Thorman ruled himself out of Wednesday final Northern Rail Cup group game against London Skolars through injury but was confident he will be back to face Town at Derwent Park.

Oglanby said: “Thorman has played in the NRL for Parramatta and has a lot of experience at Hull and Huddersfield.

“He brings a lot and will marshal them well around the park and he also has a great kicking and passing game. He is a good on-field general.”

This will be a big game for both sides, with Town wanting to put their last two results, against South Wales Scorpions in the league and Featherstone in the Challenge Cup behind them.

Oglanby said: “This game is a six-pointer for us, if we are going to achieve anything and be successful this season, this will be a good yardstick to what we are going to do.

“Gary [Charlton, joint coach] put the lads through a gruelling DVD session on Tuesday night and they are keen to put things straight this weekend.”

Town will be sweating on fitness checks to Lee Dutton (chicken pox), Kris Coward (sternum), Jack Pedley (flu-like symptoms) and Dean Bragg (neck). John Lebbon and Brett Carter were back in training and might play.

Town Flyer: Monday, M Cunningham, Seaton, C9783; Tuesday, T Kerr, Maryport, A1585; Wednesday, S Richardson, Dearham, B8374; yesterday, J Moffat, Workingtonm, B2469; today, J Scott, Workington, A1739.

First published at 19:28, Thursday, 11 March 2010
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk