Following two disappointing losses in both cup competitions, attention turns to League One with promotion the club’s top priority.
This journey begins with a trip North to take on Cumbrian side Workington Town.
Coach
Workington are coached by Anthony Murray. A seasoned figure in rugby league, he began his playing journey with Warrington, later representing Widnes, Leigh, Rochdale, Barrow, Swinton, Batley, and Chorley.
He also he made ten appearances for Oldham across two separate spells at the club. After making 167 appearances as a player, Murray transitioned into coaching which began with Barrow.
Subsequently, he took charge of the North Wales Crusaders for two periods, with a stint at Gloucestershire All Golds inbetween.
Prior to the 2023 season, Murray made the switch to Workington where he guided the club to the play-offs but lost out to North Wales in the first knockout round.
One to Watch
Signed on the eve of the new season, the news that Jarrod Sammut would be joining the club certainly raised enthusiasm amongst supporters of the club.
Although now at the age of 37, he possesses remarkable speed, as well as a low centre of gravity, enabling him to effortlessly change direction and evade tacklers.
Additionally, he boasts an exceptional kicking game and has the ability to guide his team around the field.
After starting his career in the NRL with Penrith Panthers, Australian-born Sammut sought regular first-team football and thus made the decision to move to the UK to join Welsh side Crusaders in Super League.
He then moved to play for Bradford Bulls and Wakefield Trinity with spells playing for the likes of Featherstone and London, also.
Sammut has considerable Super League experience having featured for both Wigan and London in rugby league’s top-flight.
He spent the past two seasons with Barrow where he scored 26 tries in 50 appearances.
Recent Form
Workington have had a rough start to the season, suffering three straight defeats in competitive fixtures.
Their 1895 Cup campaign ended with two defeats to fellow Cumbrian sides Barrow and Whitehaven and any hopes of a Challenge Cup run were quashed when Batley won 48-18 against Town.
Previous Meetings
There has not been much to separate the two clubs in the past five meetings, with Workington winning two to Oldham’s three.
Roughyeds have won their last three against Workington with one home win and two coming on the road.
Following back-to-back defeats, Sean and the team will be looking to get back to winning ways to start the season well.
