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The Mortonstalker caught up with ex-Rovers favourite Mark Lennon this week. Mark is now at Celtic Crusaders with former team mates Luke Dyer and David Tangata-toa, but he still has fond memories of his time at Craven Park...
Hi Mark, thanks for taking part in this interview. How is life at the Celtic Crusaders?
Life at the Crusaders is great, we have been doing fairly well so far this year and everyone down here has been great, from the coaching and backroom staff to all the players, and from what Tangles has told me it has very much the same feel as a club just like rovers was a few years back..
Has it helped having Luke Dyer and David Tangata-toa there with you too?
Yeah it has, especially as me and Luke live together with our girlfriends, we are one big happy family. Me and Tangles have been mates from back home in Oz for many a year so we have all been able to help each other settle in down here, but I was also lucky as I knew quite a few of the other boys anyway.
Celtic are being rumoured to have a real chance with a franchise, what are your thoughts on that?
We are all hoping and having our fingers crossed, that was one of the reasons I signed down here with the opportunity to hopefully play at the highest level in Super League again. i think Wales and the Super League need a team from Wales, it would be great for rugby league as a whole.
You quickly became a fans favourite at Rovers, and many were surprised when you were released, were you disappointed to go?
I really enjoyed my time at Rovers, it was a memorable season and one I was very lucky to be a part of, one I will cherish for the rest of my life. I was sad to leave but all good things have to come to an end I guess.
Have you seen Rovers play this year? How do you think they will go in this year’s competition?
I have and I stay in contact with a few of the boys like Rhys Lovegrove and Jon Steel regulary and you guys are looking pretty good this year I'm hoping Rovers go well. I'll always have a soft spot for Hull KR so I'll be cheering you guys on. Let's hope Justin is the good luck charm and Rovers have another good cup run aswell this year, just like a couple of years ago with Rovers and and with Toulouse.
Who or what has been the biggest influence on your career?
The biggest influence on my career has definately been my father, he has supported me and been able to give me advice since day 1 when I started playing and he is very good with advice as he is a former 1st Grade player with the Cronulla Sharks.
Are you pleased you made the move to play English rugby?
When I made the move to English rugby the first time with Castleford Tigers it was a dream come true and I was very lucky to get a second chance in the Super League last year with Rovers. I'm very lucky and privileged to have been able to play at two great clubs and I have many fond memories, so yes I'm more than pleased - it was the best thing I could have ever done. So far so good at the Crusaders aswell so hopefully there will be many more great times and memories to come.
There seemed to be a fantastic team spirit at Rovers last year, do you think that helped with our survival in our first Super League season?
Yes definetly. I think it helped that the boys had been through a successful season together the previous season aswell, so the team spirit was built up on that and it carried its way through to last season, we were all the best of mates.
So, we’ve talked rugby, but what does Mark Lennon do when he’s not playing the greatest game?
I play a bit of golf.. well try to .. like my tv and sleep of course, but most of all I'm always thinking of my stomach, what I'm going to eat next.
Looking at some of your pics on MySpace, you are quite fashion conscious, what was your biggest fashion mistake?
Am i fashion conscious?? haha!!
My biggest fashion mistake would have to be either the g string I've worn or the mankini just like the one Borat owns, or even just the old speedos anytime I go for a swim, either in the pool or even at the beach, I'm not afraid to get the old budgie smugglers out!
If you weren’t a rugby league player, what would you be doing?
I always thought I'd be a PE teacher, but now I'm not too sure, maybe an NRL referee??
What are your hopes for the future Mark?
I just want to enjoy playing rugby league for as long as I can as I'm very lucky to do so, hopefully stay healthy and stay happy and continue being able to do things i love doing.
Finally, do you have a message for the Rovers faithful?
Thank you so much for all your support and making me feel so welcome last year at Rovers, I had a magic year a year I will never forget. I wish you and the club all the best and success for 2008 and beyond.
Many thanks again for doing this interview Mark, and all the very best for the rest of the season.
