When two of Workington Town’s new Aussie players agreed to take part in a pre-season press conference, they didn’t expect to be answering questions about fighting kangaroos or poisonous snakes.
And neither of the newcomers – Zarrin Galea and Cooper Howlett – thought the press conference would involve a British food challenge, that included their first encounter with haggis.
The press conference was organised by Fibrus, the full Fibre broadband company which sponsors the men’s and ladies’ Workington Town teams at the Fibrus Community Stadium.
Young players from Derwent Park Rangers became journalists for the afternoon to find out all about the Town’s newest signings to help celebrate the start of the new season.
After Fibrus’ recent sponsorship of Derwent Park Rangers as part of its Play it Forward fund, the club’s young players were thrilled to meet Zarrin and Cooper – including Miley Clayton, nine, who challenged them to eat mushy peas, black pudding, Marmite and haggis.
“We found out lots about the players, like who scores the most tries,” he said.
His brother, eight-year-old Alfie, enjoyed finding out about life in Australia, adding: “They told us about poisonous snakes and what they did at home in Australia.”
The players also told the children how much they’re looking forward to the new season.
Zarrin was asked for tips on being a successful player, telling the youngsters: “It is about hard work, consistency. You’ve got to find your passion and stick with it.”
New signing Cooper enjoyed the press conference, despite the British food challenge.
He said: “To see how much these kids are interested in the club and aspire to be part of it is really cool.
“It is inspiring for us. Everyone around the club is excited – there is a very good vibe. Everyone I have spoken to in the community is very confident about the squad that has been built.”
Club chairman Graeme Peers said the players had coped well with the grilling.
He said: “It was great to see Cooper and Zarrin sharing their enthusiasm for the game with Derwent Park Rangers.
“It’s another example of the community work the players do and we certainly got some interesting questions today from the kids.”
Colin Hutchinson, chief financial officer at Fibrus, said: “It was lovely to see how much the children enjoyed meeting the players and they certainly weren’t shy in coming forward with all kinds of questions. We wish the players the best of luck in the upcoming season!”
