My Set of Six: with Workington fan Callum Linford featuring Fuifui Moimoi & Cougar Park

In our new feature, we’re asking you, the fans, plus players, coaches and other rugby league personalities to give us their answers to our set of six questions.

Workington fan Callum Linford is our latest guest on My Set of Six…

Favourite away ground?

It is a toss up between Cougar Park and Keepmoat Stadium – both have their pros and cons. In terms of facilities, it is Doncaster by a mile but in terms of the rugby league experience it has to be Keighley. You are right on the action and you can stand to watch the action rather than being seated at Donny.

Favourite player?

My favourite player growing up was Neil Frazer. I don’t know why but I always remember him being the player I’d always look out for. His turn of pace was great.

These days it would have to be Fuifui Moimoi, he just optimises everything good about rugby league. He has lots of time for the fans and is an absolute gent off the pitch and at 40, he’s still a monster on it.

Favourite memory?

I have two. The first one was at the Summer Bash in Blackpool in 2015 where it was Workington v Whitehaven. Town where 18-6 down at half-time and came back to win the game 26-20.

The most recent though has to be beating Bradford at Osdal in the league in 2018 for the first time in 52 years. We get reminded constantly that the Bulls won the game that mattered but the rivalry was immense that year, along with the David v Goliath feeling and the silencing of Bradford.

Worst memory?

That would be both league games against Whitehaven in 2018. Twice in the last minute Whitehaven scored to level both matches and Dan Abram twice nailed touchline conversions for Haven. We’ve always seemed to struggle in what is often a mud bath be it in April or August at Whitehaven but at home, in front of more than 1,500, is heartbreaking. Still to this day we get it shoved down our neck by Haven fans!

Best match you’ve seen (not involving your club)?

Castleford v St Helens in 2017, with Luke Gale kicking that drop goal. We were sat in the pub watching it in Workington and we were probably the only none St Helens fans in the place. After an hour or so, one turned to me saying ‘never right off the Saints ey marra’ and he was right until 79.56 when they gave Gale the penalty to level the match. The drop goal was sweet as a nut – I even jumped in celebration!

Your wish for the future of rugby league?

For Workington, the new stadium is a must both for the majority sports teams in Allerdale and Copeland. I’d also like to see an academy set up by Workington coach Chris Thorman and Whitehaven boss Gary Charlton.

The game needs to be less robotic. I have watched games from way before my time in the 1980s and it was good to watch. The current Super League bores me to a degree.

If you want to be featured on My Set of Six, send an email to drew@loverugbyleague.com

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