Cockermouth’s rugby league club player coach Liam McAvoy is set to make his debut for Penrith this weekend against Wirral.
McAvoy led the Titans to the semi-final of the top four play-offs in the Cumberland RL when they were beaten in extra time by Maryport. He was named man of the match.
He has had a successful career in the pro game, too, playing at Workington Town, Newcastle Thunder and Whitehaven before taking on the player-coach role at Cockermouth.
McAvoy is no stranger to rugby union, having played previously for Cockermouth when the Wasps were competing in Regional Two North.
“I have three good friends at Penrith – Sam Wilson, Mike Fearon and Jay Rossi – and I have been through to watch them on several occasions.
“I was at school in the same year as Sam and Mike while Jay was a year higher so when I got the chance to play again with them at Penrith I jumped at the opportunity.
“I also know Ant Davies who has gone through from Cockermouth this season to play at Penrith.
“There are some brilliant lads at Penrith and I am really looking forward to playing for them,” he said.
McAvoy is a forward in rugby league but will make his debut at centre for Penrith who take on Wirral at Winters Park.
When he signed McAvoy at Whitehaven, their coach Jonty Gorley said: “”Every team needs a Liam McAvoy because as a front rower or a middle he is what it says on the tin.
“He does a lot of work, has a good engine on him with a bit of skill as well as carrying well.”
Penrith rugby union followers will get a glimpse of that tomorrow against Wirral.
The Penrith team is: Andy Rogers, Lee Chapman, Adam Howe, Ant Davies, Scott Lancaster, James Thompson, Sam Wilson, Archie Rattray, George Graham, Mike Fearon, Rob Coward, Liam McAvoy, Jamie McNaughton, Thomas Connell, Isaac Murray. Bench: Craig Price, Josh Dowson, Ashton Hook.
