Ex-Workington ace James Pickering set to line up for Fijians against his old club

By Martin Morgan

Last updated 10:05, Saturday, 29 November 2008

Workington Town legend James Pickering will roll back the years and turn out for the Australian Fijians against his old club at Derwent Park tomorrow.

James Pickering, blue shirt, makes a tackle against Castleford in August 1994

The former fearsome prop, who is coaching the Fijians, spent a hugely successful two-and-a-half seasons at Town in the mid-90s and, despite about to hit 40, wants to savour the atmosphere once again (3pm kick-off).

“I might be tempted to dust my boots off and have a five minute run,” revealed Pickering. “I’ve been retired for eight or nine years, but I’m sure the Workington boys will give me a warm welcome!

“My fitness is thereabouts, but I can’t run as fast as I once could. I had one of the best times of my life at Workington. It was the traditions, not just of Workington but the whole area.

“I caught up with Martin Oglanby when he came over to Australia with the Cumbria amateur side this year. We had a few beers and spoke about what we achieved at the club.

“Workington had won one game in the previous season, but when we came together, we reached two Premiership finals and won promotion to the inaugural Super League season. When you think about that achievement, it’s a big thing.”

Pickering will tonight be inducted in to the club’s Hall of Fame, when a highlight package of his playing achievements will be shown at a sold-out vice-presidents event.

“I’m really excited about it and a bit embarrassed, to be inducted with all those guys of the past, legends of rugby league, such as Gus Risman,” he said.

Hooker James Storer, who just two weeks ago featured in Fiji’s World Cup semi-final clash with Australia, will start at nine tomorrow.

“He brings a bit of experience, especially for the younger guys in the team,” added Pickering, a former Sydney Roosters Under-20 coach, who is joining Sydney Bulldogs as an assistant coach to their Under-18s next term. “He’s keen to start, but we’ll monitor him, and if jaded he’ll come off.”

Peter Walsh, the popular ex-Town coach, has joined the tour as a consultant and is proving his worth.

“As a long-time coach he sees things a bit differently. He’s been good for all our players, especially the halves,” Pickering continued.

“Some of our guys are playing Under-20s at NRL clubs and the rest are either in the NRL system or playing Jim Beam Cup, a couple of grades down.

“This organisation (Australian Fijians) was formed to further their careers, over here or in Australia, and as a stepping stone to the full Fiji side.”

Australian Fijians (from): Hamilton Hughes, James Lagiloa, Nacanieli Kini Kini, Esala Vute, Alfred McGowan, Sam Rainimi (all Moore Park Broncos); Tabua Cakacaka, Neitani Suka (both Gateshead Thunder); Daryl Jang, James Storer (both Cronulla Sharks); Puna Ruasabele (London Skolars); Seva Koroi (Wests Magpies); Suli Koroi (Sydney Bulls); Waisale Naigama (Sydney Bulls); Tiga Vatuvei (Newcastle Wests); Eloni Vunakece (Balmain Tigers); Samu Wara (North Sydney Bears); Ratu Tagive (Sydney Roosters); Lepani Waga ( St Mary’s); Joe Delana (Wentworthville Magpies); Junior Rika (Parramatta)