Conor Fitzsimmons won’t be pulling any old pals act tomorrow when his former Workington Town team-mates come calling.

The Newcastle Thunder packman is hoping to help orchestrate a win for his team in the north east – and burst Town’s bubble.

Fitzsimmons, who spent last year on loan at Derwent Park from Castleford Tigers, knows exactly what he is up against in the League One clash – and is well aware of Town’s recent form.

“It is going to be a tough game for us as we haven’t done as well as we thought we would this year,” said the former Seaton amateur.

“And Leon Pryce has done a good job at Workington, they are in a great run of form at the moment.

“They have beaten Bradford and came really close to beating York last weekend so they are a difficult side. But hopefully we can come on and do the job.

“We have just three games left and we are going for wins in all of them.”

Town need to pick up a win at Newcastle as they enter their last three games of the regular League One season, hoping to finish in a play-off berth.

And Fitzsimmons is looking forward to pitting his wits against some of his former team-mates – and some of Town’s new faces.

“I think they have a big pack in the middle and we have to match them physically but they are also smart in the halves so we need to shut them down as quick as we can.

“They’ve brought in some key players like Fui Fui Moi Moi and Sean Penkywicz, who scored three against us last year so we will be talking that up at training this week,” he added.

Fitzsimmons admitted playing against his hometown club would be special for him – and also Tee Ritson and Liam McAvoy, who have also spent time at Derwent Park.

“This is a completely different club and lifestyle for me but they have treated me really well since I joined, as did Workington when I was there on loan last year,” added Fitzsimmons.

“Workington is my hometown club and you always love the club where you came from. I watched them as a kid so it is always that bit more special to play against them.

“Myself, Tee and Liam have all spent time at Workington and we are all looking forward to the game and just can’t wait for Saturday.”

Tomorrow’s game, moved forward a day to avoid the Great North Run, kicks off at 5pm at Kingston Park.