Milestone not of interest to star Foster

A WIN is the only target of consequence for Newcastle Thunder’s Alex Foster as the back-row makes his 150th career appearance against Workington Town tomorrow (3.00).

A big-name signing for the 2022 season, Foster has played in some of the biggest occasions in his sport since making his debut in 2013 - but has refused to be nostalgic ahead of this weekend’s milestone match.

With nine former Thunder players in the Cumbrians’ ranks, Foster is expecting a fired-up challenge from the team which sits bottom of the Betfred Championship table as his own team aims to get its stuttering season back on track.

He said: “I’ve not thought about the milestone too much.

“It is all about getting back to my job and helping the boys get back on track, which is the most important thing.

“We’re under no illusions Workington are going to come out firing because of the number of players who were here with us in the past.

“They will be hungry and looking to get one over on us and with the position we have been in over recent weeks they are going to see us as a bit vulnerable.”

After four consecutive losses there has been a change in the Thunder coaching ranks this week, Eamon O’Carroll resigning from the head coach role.

Preparations for this weekend have been led by director of rugby Denis Betts and assistant coach Michael Heap.

Foster added: “It’s been tough for a lot of us this week, Eamon was a big character and he was a big driving force in getting most of the players to this club and we thought a lot of him - but we do understand he has stepped away for his own reasons.”

While the focus for Foster is very much on the here and now, the club has made a point of acknowledging his personal milestone and some of his achievements in the game.

He said: “Denis and Heapy put together a bit of a montage of a few old pictures of me looking very fresh-faced and very young along with a few tries and special moments from various clubs over the years.

“That has been nice and has spurred me on to make the most of the game this weekend.

“There are some great memories in there - and hopefully a lot more to come with the Thunder.”