WORKINGTON TOWN coach Jonty Gorley has called on his players to follow Callum Phillips’ example as they try to turn their season around.
It’s been a tough spell for the West Cumbrians, who suffered a heavy tenth league defeat in 14 in going down 56-12 to county rivals Barrow before Sunday’s more encouraging 28-24 defeat to Oldham, also at home.
Visiting coach Paul Crarey recognised the contribution of experienced former Scotland hooker Phillips in the former, saying: “He was outstanding and made tackle after tackle.”
The 34-year-old has a strong relationship with Gorley, following him from Whitehaven, where he signed in 2018, to start a second spell at Workington ahead of last season.
“Callum runs his blood to water week in, week out, and his mentality is unbelievable,” said the Fibrus Community Stadium team chief of the Seaton Rangers product who first played for Town in 2013 and featured in the 2017 World Cup.
“If we had 13 Callum Phillips we’d be okay, and we need more of our lads to show his resolve and resilience.”
It was a third straight loss for Workington, and Gorley continued: “It was the manner of how we lost that was concerning.
“We made too many basic errors, often early in the tackle count, and at the moment, we’re just not putting enough of a fight up.
“We all have to have a look at what we’re doing, myself included, and work even harder to get ourselves into a better place,”
Town head to Salford on Sunday.