Return of Town legend Pickering

By Helen Thompson

Last updated 13:38, Wednesday, 20 August 2008

WORKINGTON Town legend James Pickering is set to return to Derwent Park – to lead a touring team of Australian Fijians against his former club.

‘James Pickering is an absolute legend in Workington, the whole Town will be full of excitement about him coming back to visit,’ says Town’s chief executive, June Kennedy

Former prop Pickering, who helped Town into Super League in the 1994/95 season, will also be inducted into the Workington Hall of Fame during his stay in West Cumbria.

Town will play the touring Australian Fijians in their first ever match on English shores, on November 30, kicking off their three-game tour.

And some big names from the NRL could be winging their way to Derwent Park, with the likes of Aussie superstar Petero Civinoceva (Penrith Panthers) and Jarryd Hayne (Parramatta Eels) in the mix.

Everyone at the club is delighted that Pickering is returning and that they have sealed such an exciting match in the close season.

Town’s chief executive, June Kennedy, said: “James Pickering is an absolute legend in Workington, the whole Town will be full of excitement about him coming back to visit.

“I was here at the club when he was part of our team that got us back into the top flight. He visiting will bring back lots of fond memories for me and everyone in Workington.”

Ex-Aussie top flight star with Canterbury Bulldogs and Sydney Roosters, Pickering is now chairman of the Australian Fijian Rugby League.

He is looking forward to renewing some acquaintances in Workington.

“It’ll be great to go back to where it all began for me before I came to Australia to play for Canterbury.” said Pickering.

“Workington is a Rugby League mad town and our boys will enjoy the experience of playing in Cumbria.

“For me personally I’m really glad that we are kicking off our tour in Cumbria as all other visiting league teams to the UK do.

“It’ll be a true test for our boys battling the conditions and the hostile Workington crowd but that is all part of the experience for us.

“We are just glad that June Kennedy and Workington Town have given our boys the opportunity to come and play there.”

A dinner is being planned at Derwent Park on Saturday, November 29 to welcome the touring side and it is expected that at this event the vice president’s club will take the unique opportunity to welcome Pickering into the club’s Hall of Fame.

Tickets will be available for all supporters on a first come, first served basis. There will also be a fund raising activity for Mathew Tunstall’s testimonial year.

The Australian Fijians will depart Sydney on November 25 and return on December 17.