Stack aims to reward Town fans

Correspondent

Workington Town second row Jarrad Stack is determined to reward the stellar support of the club’s fans in Sunday’s Co-operative Championship One Play-off final against Keighley Cougars at The Halliwell Jones Stadium, Warrington (1.30pm).

Stack believes the backing of Town’s vociferous supporters has been a key factor behind their rise up the Championship One table and into this weekend’s promotion decider and is hoping for a bumper turn out of proud Cumbrians.

“The fans have been waiting a long time for us to get to a final so we want to win it for them,” said Stack. “There are nine coachloads of fans coming to the final and we want to win promotion to the Championship to say ‘Thank you.’

“We’ve beaten Keighley the last two times we’ve met and it’s definitely an advantage going into the final that should give us an edge mentally and. I hope physically. too.

“We know better than to take them lightly though. They have a big pack and we are aware of them.”

Workington beat the Cougars 19-10 in a Qualifying Semi-final two weeks ago and Stack has admitted that victory over the Cougars is one thing he hopes to experience every season after suffering heartache against Keighley during his first season at Workington.

“It would be absolutely great winning the final and especially against Keighley,” he said. “In my first year here we lost 58-6 to them which was very disappointing, so to beat them in the final would be fantastic, both individually and for the club.

“Our goal at the start of the season was to gain promotion and we are within touching distance of achieving that now.

“We earned a break after the last win over Keighley and that has definitely been a bonus. It’s given us a chance to rest and get rid of any bumps and bruises we had. Hopefully Keighley will be tired going into the final and carrying a few knocks and niggling injuries.

“The mood in training is good and we are all excited. As the week goes on I think the nerves will kick in, but when it gets to Sunday we’ll be ready.”