McNamara joins Rowing Challenge

England’s RL coach is using the loneliness of the long distance rower to plot the downfall of the Exiles.

Steve McNamara’s side face a tantalising test from the cream of Super League’s overseas stars at Headingley next Friday night.

And he’s using his own experience in training to row a marathon to ensure his charges will be ready to go the distance.

“I’m taking part in the Rugby League Rowing Challenge in July,” explained McNamara. “The training has been tough. But I’ll get up at about 6 o’clock in the morning and I’m on the rower for up to 2 hours.

“It’s a great chance to switch off and in your own little bubble focus on and contemplate all the issues surrounding next Friday’s match.”

It’s the second year of the RL Rowing Challenge, which takes place at Huddersfield’s The Zone on the afternoon of Thursday, July 21st   in aid of the Rugby league Benevolent Fund.

And McNamara is urging as many people as possible to take part.

“This is rugby league’s own charity. And we are a sport that is unique in the way we rally round as a community to help people in hardship,” he says.

“You might not fancy tackling the distance alone, but there’s a great opportunity to enter as a team of up to five people. It’s great for team-building – whether you’re an amateur club, a team from a workplace or a group of fans.

“There will be all sorts of people taking part – from those who have trained hard, to the less athletic who will be there to enjoy a great day and raise some cash for a great cause.”

McNamara is one of several RL personalities who have already committed to taking part in the RL Rowing Challenge. The aim is to row a marathon on a Concept2 rowing machine, either as an individual or as part of team, whilst raising money for the Benevolent Fund through sponsorship.

To join him and register your interest in taking part, send an email to rlrowingchallenge@gmail.com for full details.