TEEN ZONE
Another Great T-Zone Interview!

Leeds Rhinos Interview with Willie Poching and Chris Feather

Last month we were lucky enough to be invited to have a look round the training ground of Leeds Rhinos and Tykes. We also had the chance to ask Rhino players Willie Poching and Chris Feather some questions. Thank you to everyone who made us feel so welcome and all the best for next season.

How did you first get into playing rugby league?
CF: I always did athletics and stuff like that, then when I was 13 or 14 I put on loads of weight and all my mates were playing rugby and said I should come down so I went to play for Keighley.
WP: I started playing because my whole family played like my dad and my brothers so I just joined in with them.

What has been the highlight of your career?
WP: Playing for my country and in the Grand Final.
CF: I’ve never played in a Grand Final but I did once play in an academy Grand Final.

Has anything embarrassing ever happened to you in your career?
CF: I knocked my front tooth out once and that was quite embarrassing.
WP: I got knocked out earlier this year and when I tried to get up I just fell back down, it was embarrassing when I watched it back on the video.

How often do you train?
CF: If we play on a Friday we get Saturday and Sunday off then train every day up until the next Friday.

What do you do between seasons?
WP: I’ve got 3 young kids and a wife so in the 6 weeks we get off I try and spend time with them.
CF: I’m single so I go to Australia and meet all my mates I’ve got over there.

If you could change any rule in the game what would it be?
WP: I wouldn’t change anything. The game gets tinkered and tampered with too much and I think the way it is now is fine.

Who is the best player you’ve ever played with or against?
WP: Andrew Johns
CF: It’s different for me because I’m a prop so I look to props but I always liked playing with Dave Furner when he was here.

Who is your sporting hero?
WP: I have many, Mohammed Ali, a guy called John Walker who’s a middle distance runner in New Zealand and lots of rugby league players.
CF: I’d say Mohammed Ali as well, but I’m also a big fan of Daley Thompson from my days in athletics.

Do you have any superstitions before games?
CF: For me they change every couple of months, in the past I’ve shaved my head the night before a game or worn the same tie but they eventually wear out.
WP: I always go through the same routine every week but I don’t call it superstition.

What team did you support when you were younger?
CF: I’m from Keighley so I supported Keighley Cougars.
WP: I supported the Canberra Raiders when I was a kid.

Do you think Leeds will win the Super League this season?
CF: Yeah, there’s a good vibe in the team and everyone is confident.

How do you feel about Richard Mathers and Chev Walker moving on at the end of the season?
WP: Richie has got a fantastic opportunity to experience what not many people get the chance to do, he is going to what most regard as the greatest competition in the world. Chev has been here a long time and needs to move on, but they will both go with everyone’s blessing and best wishes because they have served this club fantastically well.

What do you think of Ronnie the Rhino?
CF: I think he’s great, all the kids seem to love him and he’s great entertainment.
WP: I think he’s one of the better mascots in all sports, better than the cockroach they used to have at Salford!    

June 06