The major turning point of the 2015 season for Workington was the signing of Jarrod Sammut from Wakefield. His skilful and silky player meant their grabbed the last shield semi-final place and deservedly so. Town have got him again for 2016 so expect more off the cuff rugby. An aggressive forward pack filled with local talent such as Brett Phillips with the added influence of captain Jarrad Stack should see Town battle again for the final shield place and even higher. Phil Vievers men finished in the final place for the championship shield eventually going down to winners Featherstone travelling with an injury hit squad in the semi-final. Highlights of the season included 4 league victories over Whitehaven including a superb comeback victory over their near neighbours in the inaugural Summer Bash at Blackpool.
Workington’s Pre-Season fixtures
Barrow (A) Drew 10-10
Whitehaven (A) Lost 12-6
The Eagles have gone full time in 2016 and have moved back to Sheffield as they play their home games at the Sheffield Hallam Uni as work continues on the Don Valley. Mark Aston’s men have seen a big turnover in players. Stalwarts like Misi Taulapapa and Dom Brambani have left the club but replacements seems to have been brought in with PNG Hunters’ Garry Lo and youngster Dave Hewitt from St Helens. A big pack with players such as Mitch Stringer, Michael Knowles and recently signed Mark Mexico should seethe Eagles battle for a Super League place once again.
Sheffield’s Pre-Season fixture
Dewsbury (A) Won 14-38
Workington’s 19 man Squad – J Murphy, Forrerster, Hulme, Mossop, Carter, Forber, Doran, Coward, C.Phillips, Scholey, Whiteley, Olstrum, McAvoy, Verlinden, Gordon, Rooney, Mattinson, C Murphy, T Ritson
Sheffield’s 19 man squad – Togagae, Worrincy, Yere, Tyson, Blackmore, Aston, Hewitt, Wheeldon, Carlile, Neal, Knowles, Straughier, Stringer, Fozard, Minchella, Thorpe, James, Mexico, Lo.
