Chris Thorman ‘grateful’ to be back in rugby league

Chris Thorman admitted he is glad to be back in the sport after making a dream start to life at Workington.

The 38-year-old guided Town to a 31-28 win over Hunslet in his first game in charge since taking over the head coaching role from Leon Pryce.

Thorman was cleared to return to rugby league in April after an enforced absence, and he is ‘grateful’ to be back involved with rugby league.

Speaking to Love Rugby League’s Final Hooter podcast, Thorman said: “Everyone is aware of my circumstances and I’ve drawn a line in the sand.

“I’m not feeling sorry for myself because of certain things that have happened in my life but what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. It’s a cliche but I know its something that is very true.

“You learn from your experiences and I’ve certainly done that. I’m just grateful to be back in our great sport.”

Town currently sit seventh in the League One table, having won three out of seven games under Pryce this season.

Thorman, who hails from North Tyneside, is determined to help Workington boost the number of people coming through the gates at Derwent Park.

He added: “Being a Geordie lad, I’m not that far away from Cumbria in terms of understanding the people and the culture.

“I know clubs like Workington, Whitehaven, Barrow and even Carlisle. I used to play at Carlisle as a junior, so I’m well aware of the responsibility of becoming a head coach of one of those teams.

“If you are successful, then people will come out of the woodwork and support you. I guess that has to be the main aspiration of the town and the club, to generate enough interest in performances to bring as many people to the stadium as possible.

“From talking to the club’s board and our director of rugby Gary Murdock, Workington have aspirations they want to improve off the field and on the field.”

To listen to The Final Hooter podcast, click here.