Sheffield Eagles Latest News

SHEFFIELD Eagles have signed two South Yorkshire teenagers as their first apprentice professionals. Daniel Hawksworth and Eddie Battye put pen to paper at Eagles' dinner to celebrate the 10th anniversary of winning the Challenge Cup by beating Wigan Warriors in 1998. The pair were part of the successful Hillsborough Hawks Under-17s side last season.

Both players are forwards and have been training with Eagles leading up to joining the club. Battye is from Penistone and Hawksworth from Sheffield.

Eagles chairman Ian Swire said: "The club has a commitment to developing the game in South Yorkshire. The signing of these two highly promising young players is another stage in that development."

Sheffield Star attended the 10th Anniversary Dinner of The Eagles Challenge Cup win at Wembley and filmed a number of interviews with the players who played that day.

Click here to view.

SHEFFIELD Eagles' 1998 Challenge Cup heroes will be reunited to celebrate their Wembley win over Wigan Warriors tonight. Former coach John Kear - now Wakefield boss - who guided the club to one of the biggest upsets in the game will be joined by many of the winning squad at a special dinner. The players include the captain and former Great Britain star Paul Broadbent and current Eagles coach Mark Aston, who was man of the match at Wembley. Leeds Rhinos and GB star centre Keith Senior - the only member of the squad still playing as a professional - is also a guest.

Tomorrow the current Eagles team host Salford Reds, the club they beat in the semi-final to reach Wembley. The game will be played 10 years to the day since the Challenge Cup final - May 2 1998.

"It's a fantastic week for us" said Aston. "It'll be great getting together again as a 'squad'. I'd like to think that the current team will put in a massive performance tomorrow. They will be playing in the replica of the shirt we wore at Wembley and hopefully that will give us the same result."

A year after winning at Wembley, Eagles dropped out of the Super League and the club nearly died in the wake of the trauma of the 'merger' with Huddersfield Giants. A new club was created and after winning promotion in 2006 is third in National League One - only one step on the ladder below the Super League. Aston is confident the club is building a new future.

He said: "We are improving the playing staff bit by bit. We're not doing it by spending money we haven't got. But we've got the Scholarship scheme happening now and have the Academy and the All Saints Schools partnership. Development is probably bigger now than it was 10 years ago when were in the Super League. We have kids of 13 to 16 coming through the ranks. Soon we will be announcing four to six kids we have signed through the scholarship." scheme which is massive for the club."

THE job-sharing between hookers Craig Cook and Paul Pickering is set for an extended run at Sheffield Eagles. Coach Mark Aston started the game at Batley with Cook in the number nine shirt and Pickering replacing him from the bench late in the first half. The ploy was a success with both players scoring tries in the 24-16 win that keeps the Eagles in third place in National League One.

"The Paul Pickering and Craig Cook option seemed to work for us," said Aston. "It's picking the right games and the right time. If we think it fits without a shadow of a doubt we will do it."

Cook has started in eight games this season but Pickering was making his first appearance following injury. The players' contrasting styles gives Aston a valuable option.

He said: "It gives a lot because Craig is a grafter and Paul is a bit smarter at times but they were both smart and both got over the whitewash at Batley. It gives us lots of options - Paul is sharp and Craig is a grinder so we're pretty happy."

Aston was also encouraged by a more upbeat performance from the side with a tough game against unbeaten division leaders Salford Reds, at Don Valley on Friday, kick-off 8pm.

"We still have a lot of work to do but the signs are there," said Aston.

CENTRE Richard Newlove is set for a recall to Sheffield Eagles side at Batley Bulldogs tomorrow. The former Wakefield and Doncaster back has been sidelined for ten games with a shoulder injury. Coach Mark Aston believes Newlove's experience and ability to 'read' a game and respond has been missed.

"Richard is looking pretty good and I'm positive about him playing at Batley," said Aston. "We have missed him because he's had experience at a higher level and 'talks' really well during a game and we're lacking that little bit of leadership at the moment."

Aston is also likely to have the option of bring hooker Paul Pickering into the squad at Mount Pleasant for his first game of the season. But he's ruled out big changes despite a poor performance in losing to Leigh at Don Valley two weeks ago.

"You don't need to drastically chop people out but if someone isn't performing they have to go. We look at the people in training and the fitness of those who want to come back and take a decision," said Aston.

The Eagles are just ahead of Batley in National League One but only on points difference. The winner will hold on to third place but the loser is likely to tumble down the table.

SHEFFIELD Eagles are determined not to take a tumble on Batley's famous sloping pitch. A place in the top three of the Co-operative National League One is at stake when the teams clash on Sunday. A big factor could be the slope on the Mount Pleasant pitch - from one corner the opposite corner flag almost disappears from view.

Eagles' coach Mark Aston said: "Batley are at home and confident and they know 'the pitch'. It'll be a tough game but it's all about us and making sure that we play better than we did last time out. We're in third place and Batley are fourth and whoever wins will be in the top three and we need to make sure that's us."

Aston says the pitch should not be a factor but it can affect some players.

He added: "You have to play both ways - a lot of it is psychological. It may be harder running up hill but when you turn round to get back into your defensive positions it's down hill and you get there quicker. It doesn't matter which way you are playing you still have to run up and down that hill."

He's considering bringing centre Richard Newlove back for only his second game of the season with Mike Roby likely to make way. Hooker Paul Pickering has recovered from a stress fracture and is challenging Craig Cook for the No 9 shirt.

Aston said: "Batley have been playing as well as us and it's going to be a scintillating game. They are full of confidence and have a good attitude. They got beaten by Dewsbury in the Challenge Cup but that's a game they would normally win two out of three times."

In a game where stamina is likely to be tested Aston is looking for an improved performance from his forwards.

"They need to be a bit more dominant - that's a thing that has let us down in the last couple of games. We need to front up and get back to the levels we were playing. I was disappointed after we presented Leigh with victory at Don Valley and we need to put that right this week. We need the forwards to be dominant and strong and if they are I'll be comfortable."

SHEFFIELD Eagles boss Mark Aston is hoping that having a break will bring urgency back into his side's play when they face Batley Bulldogs. It is a crunch game with the teams in third and fourth place separated only on points difference and the losers are certain to drop down National League One.

"We had a weekend off because of the Challenge Cup and it's come at the right time," said Aston. "We've had time to reflect and focus on the Batley game. They are going well and we need to be firing on all cylinders.

Training was stepped up following the shock 24-18 home defeat to Leigh.

Aston added: "We've been tough in training last weeky. We had to up the ante and drag the players up to the standards they have set for themselves. In the run up to Sunday's game, we'll pull back a bit and so the players will peak at Batley."

Aston can report an almost injury free squad but Batley coach Gary Thornton has lost key players before and after the weekend 26-12 Challenge Cup defeat by Dewsbury Rams. Play-maker Francis Maloney missed the cup game and is out for up to ten weeks with medial ligament damage. Centre Danny Maun is playing with a dislocated finger while captain and loose-forward Craig Farrell pulled out of the Dewsbury game after a clash of heads in the warm-up.

MARK Aston is hoping to have three of his injured senior players back in first team contention.
Sheffield Eagles were without a game last weekend and that gave Paul Pickering, Gavin Brown and Richard Newlove extra recovery time. Aston could be tempted to bring the three into his squad for the important game at Batley Bulldogs on Sunday. Batley are just below the third-placed Eagles on points difference in the Co-operative National League One.

"Paul, Gavin and Richard have been back in training and the weekend without a game has given them extra time to push for full fitness," said Aston. "It's also give me chance to evaluate what has been a tough start to the season."

Aston wasn't happy with a low-key performance in the defeat by Leigh at Don Valley and feels the side need to show more urgency.

"We were subdued and the game plan was followed against Leigh - we have to step up a gear and it may be time to freshen up the squad."

Half-back Brown, the club's longest serving player, and hooker Pickering have not seen first team action so far this season. Centre Newlove has been out since injuring a shoulder against Doncaster in February. That's meant Hallam University student Mike Roby playing in every game in his first season as a professional at the club.

Sheffield Eagles fans will be able to re-live the 1998 Challenge Cup Final victory on a Big Screen at Don Valley Stadium 10 years to the day that the club toppled Wigan in the biggest Challenge Cup upset ever.

From 7pm, the road to Wembley and highlights of the final will be shown in the Don Valley Function Suite at the stadium, before the Eagles game with Salford kicks off at 8pm.

There will also be a competition to win a Family Season Ticket for the remainder of the season. Visiting supporters are welcome too.

SHEFFIELD Eagles players face some torrid training sessions after the disappointing loss to Leigh Centurions. Coach Mark Aston was left frustrated by a lack of urgency in the 24-18 defeat at Don Valley Stadium. He is demanding a more positive attitude and will get the message over with some tough squad work-outs.

"Of the 17 players who put the shirt on, there aren't too many who can look in the mirror and say they are happy with their performance," said Aston. "We had a strong side out but games aren't played on paper. When you cross the whitewash, you have to perform and we didn't."

A losing bonus point keeps Eagles in third place in National League One, but only on points difference ahead of Batley Bulldogs who they meet next. With the Challenge Cup fourth round games taking centre stage the Eagles have a blank weekend ahead before they travel to Batley on Sunday 27 April. Aston feels the team failed to step up a gear when they trailed by 12 points with still nearly 30 minutes to play.

"We need to show some flair - to speculate," he said. "When we were 12 points down and there was a scrum - we walked to the scrum! We need to show urgency. We were very subdued and we beat ourselves."

Aston was able to point to another strong performance from winger Rob Worrincy and prop Mitch Stringer. Second row Matt Whitaker came through a second comeback game following his recover from knee surgery.

SHEFFIELD Eagles boss Mark Aston is set to bring back prop Tom Buckenham for tomorrow's game against Leigh Centurions. He's likely to keep faith with a substitutes bench packed with forwards for the clash at Don Valley, kick-off 3.15pm.

Aston said: "There will possibly be one or two changes. Tom Buckenham has had a couple of weeks' rest and was playing well before that. Grant Edwards could be back after a bit of an injury. We'll have to see how Richard Newlove is progressing."

Aston used his options to rotate big forwards off the bench to good effect in the two wins in the National League One over Easter. That may be the policy against Leigh as the Eagles seek to bounce back from disappointing 44-8 defeat to Widnes in the Rail Cup.

"It works quite well for some games and it depends a lot on the players you have available depending on injuries . We take it game by game depending what we need coming off the bench. We're getting people back and as they become available we may well switch things around."

MARK Aston needs his Sheffield Eagles side to demonstrate their ability to come back fighting after a poor result. The Eagles are back to league action against crisis-club Leigh Centurions, at Don Valley on Sunday.

"It's an exciting game because whenever we have been disappointing we have bounced back with a massive performance and we intend to do that this weekend," said Aston. "We're out of the cup competitions and the league is our priority now - as it always has been."

After two straight National League One wins the Eagles were brought down to earth with a bump by a 44-8 defeat at Widnes in the Northern Rail Cup. They can't afford a repeat against Leigh - who parted company with football manager Darren Shaw, a former Eagles' player, this week.

"The message to the lads in training is that the league is the priority, we're at home and we need to keep pushing forward," said Aston. "It would great to get a run of wins at home and make Don Valley a real fortress. Teams know it's not easy coming here, the (narrow) pitch suits us and we have to make sure we put in the performances."

Leigh are one of the sides seeking a licence to play in the expanded Super League next season. Their bid is backed by a move to a new stadium next year.

Aston added: "Leigh would have been many peoples' choice to get a high finish in the league this season but haven't started well. It will be a tough game. Leigh can't be as happy as we are with the start to the season with only one win out of three. They have some quality players - Dennis Moran, Nathan McAvoy, Toa Khoe-Love have all played Super League."

Khoe-Love is set to miss Sunday's game (kick-off 3.15pm) with a shoulder injury but centre McAvoy and former Halifax half-back Ian Watson will be the danger men.

Aston said: "Last season Leigh came here when we were flying and we hit them for 50-odd points and I'm sure they will still be sore about that. But that was last year - we have to show the attitude we've had in the last two league games and then we'll get the result."

THERE will be no old pals reunion for Mark Aston this weekend after former team-mate Darren Shaw resigned as boss of Leigh. Shaw, who was with Aston in Eagles' 1998 Challenge Cup winning side, left the Centurions after a poor start to the season. Aston feels that could spell extra danger when the teams clash at Don Valley on Sunday (3.15pm).

"It's the new coach syndrome and teams always come out fighting and trying to show something when that happens."

Former hooker Paul Rowley has been appointed as temporary coach and will take charge on Sunday.

Aston added: "I've been trying to contact Darren - maybe I should pick his brains."

Two of Sheffield Eagles players made the Co-Operative National League One team of the month for March, whilst Salford’s teenage half back Richard Myler is The Co-operative National League One Player of the Month for March.

Fullback Johnny Woodcock and Winger Danny Mills made the side after sterling performances in The Eagles opening fixtures. Mill continues his good form after being named in the 2007 National League One Dream Team.

After a selection process involving League Weekly's match reporters and The Co-operative National League One coaches, Myler edged out teammate Ian Sibbit and Widnes Vikings' on-fire winger Dean Gaskell for the top award.

Myler, who moved to The Willows from Widnes's academy on a three-year deal at the start of the season, is one of four Salford players in League Weekly's The Co-operative National League One Team of the Month.

Widnes have three players included in the shape of Gaskell, prop Jim Gannon and Bob Beswick, whilst Sheffield have two representatives and Dewsbury, Batley, Halifax and Celtic Crusaders all have one.

The Co-operative National League One team of the month
1. Jonny Woodcock (Sheffield Eagles)
2. Dean Gaskell (Widnes Vikings)
3. Kevin King (Batley Bulldogs)
4. Chris Langley (Dewsbury Rams)
5. Danny Mills (Sheffield Eagles)
6. Stefan Ratchford (Salford City Reds)
7. Richard Myler (Salford City Reds)
8. Craig Stapleton (Salford City Reds)
9. Sean Penkywicz (Halifax)
10. Jim Gannon (Widnes Vikings)
11. Ian Sibbit (Salford City Reds)
12. Chris Beasley (Celtic Crusaders)
13. Bob Beswick (Widnes Vikings)

SHEFFIELD Eagles' mauling at Widnes shows how the competition just below Super League has stepped up a gear this season. Eagles had travelled in optimistic mood after two Easter wins but progress in the Northern Rail Cup hit the buffers in the 44-8 defeat.

Now it is back to National League One and coach Mark Aston will aim to get his squad focused for the visit of Leigh Centurions to Don Valley on Sunday (3.15pm).

"The competition is very close in this division - there are lots of teams who can beat each other if they play to their potential," said Aston. "We're disappointed by the Widnes result but the priority has to be on the league and we've made a good start with two wins."

He was able to give a first game for eight months following knee surgery to new signing Matthew Whitaker.

HARDMAN Ged Corcoran will play through the pain of a broken thumb when Sheffield Eagles face Widnes Vikings tomorrow. The Irish international suffered the injury against Doncaster six games ago but has played on. Coach Mark Aston gave the back row forward the chance to step down but it was rejected.

"He went to see the doctor and at first it wasn't thought to be broken but he was getting so much pain that they checked again," said Aston. "But Ged made a call that he wanted to play as long as he could and if he needed an operation later fine. It's a credit to him - he's played the three opening games of the league season and his hand is sore but he's managing it."

The injury hasn't altered Corcoran's bustling style and he even scored a try against Featherstone for the Eagles last game. The Eagles good start to the league season is on hold tomorrow as they bid for a place in the quarter-finals of the Northern Rail Cup. Aston is set to make only minor changes to the 17 that won at Featherstone.

The game at the Stobart Stadium kicks off at 3pm.

SHEFFIELD Eagles hope to make up for Challenge Cup disappointment with a win in rugby league's 'other' knockout competition. The Eagles go to Widnes Viking in the last-16 knockout stage of the Northern Rail Cup, on Sunday. Coach Mark Aston believes the Eagles have a great chance of making the quarter-finals after the boost of two big wins in the opening games of the National League One.

"We will be going to Widnes to win the game - there is nothing better than winning," he said. "We are in the last 16 and we want to go as far as we can - we got knocked out of the Challenge Cup by Lezignan so we need to go to the next level of this Cup."

Widnes are on the comeback trail after going into administration last year, soon after losing the promotion final for a place in the Super League. They started this season with a nine-point penalty but wiped that out with wins in their opening three games in National League One. Without the points deduction they would be in second place in the league - but Aston feels his team can come away from the Stobart Stadium with a win.

"It's a massive challenge and I know some people would see it as a shock but if we go there and play like we have been in the last two games we can beat Widnes."

Aston is not planning any big changes to the squad that impressively beat Feather stone Rovers in front of the Sky TV cameras last week.

SHEFFIELD Eagles are setting a high priority on a place in the quarter-finals of the Northern Rail Cup. Coach Mark Aston has ruled out any 'easing up' when the side travel to Widnes Vikings on Sunday in the last-16 knock-out stage. After a hectic Easter programme that saw two big wins out of three games in a seven-day spell there may have been a temptation to rest key players.

But Aston said: "I won't be switching the squad. No, I want to go through to the quarter-finals. The lads will be tired - you can talk about Super League players being tired after three games in a week but these lads have to go to work every day as well. We have three training sessions before we got to Widnes in the Northern Rail Cup and some might say 'rest people' but we want to go as far as we can in that competition."

However, Aston could be tempted to bring the experience of centre Richard Newlove or half-back Gavin Brown into the squad with both close to full fitness after injuries. Second row forward Matthew Whitaker - a former Widnes player - could be in line for his Eagles' debut following his recovery from knee surgery.

SHEFFIELD Eagles are again proving the prophets of gloom wrong to the delight of coach Mark Aston. Two wins out of three in the opening National League One games have made a mockery of Eagles' status as 50-1 outsiders.

"It's down to attitude, commitment, desire. I can't speak highly enough about the players," said Aston. "There are still 15 games to go but we're looking strong and we've got players like Gavin Brown and Richard Newlove to come back from injury. That'll add to the competition for places and that can only be good."

Last season, Eagles were made favourites for relegation but finished in the top six and Aston won the coach of the year award. A 50-point defeat at Halifax in this season's opener raised doubts again but Eagles bounced back with wins over Super League hopefuls Celtic Crusaders (28-6) and Featherstone Rovers (25-16). That is a big improvement on last year when it was eight games before Eagles got their first win.

Aston added: "We're getting to the standard we were at in the second of half of last season. "To let in only six points against a full-time team like Crusaders was outstanding and Featherstone scored first but didn't score again until 70 minutes - that tells you something." The National League goes on hold at the weekend as Eagles travel to Widnes Vikings for the final 16-knockout game in the Northern Rail Cup.

Sheffield Eagles are looking to their fans to assist in raising the profile of the club.

Paul Clarke, recently appointed to the board of directors, commented; "We are reviewing the club's marketing and PR with a view to improving the perception of what is 'Sheffield's best kept secret'. Rugby League is the fastest, toughest, most skillful sport on offer in Sheffield and we are keen to show that to as many fans as possible.

The club are speaking and meeting with the media with a view to raising the profile of the club, but in addition the club needs its fans to assist in the following areas:

Have you got a good story to tell. How long have you supported The Eagles?
Were you at Wembley in 1998?
At what lengths do you go to support The Eagles?
Would you be able to put up a fixture poster in your place of work?
Would you be able to put up a fixture poster at the local shops, library or other public place?
Would you be available to hand out marketing leaflets, detailing our offers to forthcoming games to your friends and family?
Are you a business that would like to be associated with Sheffield Eagles?

If the answer to any of the above is "yes" then the club needs to hear from you. Get in touch with Simon Proctor on 0114 261 0326 or by email simon.proctor@sheffieldeagles.com

Sheffield Eagles Race Night raised over £700 with many fans also purchasing the 2008 shirt on the evening. The full results were as follows:
 

Race	Owner	Trainer	Jockey
One	J Carnell	A Flower	J Green
Two	Sam	Kieran	L Casey
Three	J Hawksworth	Dan & Ben	S Nolan
Four	C Brown	J Trotter	M Bamford
Five	R Stewart	E Maguire	R Pepper
Six	D MacDonald	D Booth	I Swire
Seven	C Scandrett	I Swire	A Rowe

Sheffield Eagles Northern Rail Cup Knock-Out match against Widnes Vikings has been confirmed for Sunday 6th April, 3pm Kick off at Stobart Stadium.

Supporters are advised that they can save £1 off tickets by purchasing online at www.widnesvikings.co.uk

SHEFFIELD Eagles coach Mark Aston is set to bring Jack Howieson and Brendon Lindsay back into his squad for tonight's opening league game at Halifax. Playmaker Lindsay and prop Howieson were left out last weekend to allow more time to recover from minor injuries.

"Injuries are clearing up. Jack and Brendon should be okay. Craig Cook, Richard Newlove, Gavin Brown are coming on and Matthew Whitaker is progressing well," said Aston. "I'll be able to change the squad about a bit more - that's nice with the league season starting."

Eagles face a testing three games in seven days spell as the National League kicks off. After tonight's visit to Halifax (7.30pm), Celtic Crusaders arrive at Don Valley on Easter Monday followed by a trip to promoted Featherstone Rovers next Thursday.

Halifax, under new coach Matt Calland, cruised through their Northern Rail Cup games finishing as top points scorers across all the groups with 296. Tonight's game could be decided by the clash at half-back between Lindsay and Fax's former Doncaster star Graham Holroyd.

Aston is likely to go for forward power off the bench which could see another chance for Alex Rowe who scored his first try for Eagles in the win at London Skolars. He will also be hoping that rookie centre Mike Roby can continue in the form that has brought him five tries in cup games.

SHEFFIELD Eagles travel to Halifax tomorrow with coach Mark Aston seeking revenge for a defeat that still rankles with him after seven months. 'Fax edged out Eagles 30-26 in last season's title play-offs but Aston thinks it could have been so different.

"I'm still smarting from that - another minute or two and I think we would have beaten them," he said. "It'll be a challenge for us but we've got a point to prove."

The game at the New Shay launches Eagles into a hectic three matches in seven days opening to the National League One season. Celtic Crusaders arrive at Don Valley on Easter Monday followed by a trip to Featherstone Rovers for a game screened live on Sky TV on Thursday of next week.

Aston said: "It's a close turnaround and it's certainly tough with Halifax being tipped to finish in the top three in the league. Games close together test the squad - the focus is fully on the Halifax game then we'll look at Crusaders."

Prop Jack Howieson and playmaker Brendon Lindsay are set to return at Halifax after missing the win at London Skolars with minor injuries. Eagles finished last season in the play-off places - but they start as long-odds outsiders at 50/1 for the title.

SHEFFIELD Eagles coach Mark Aston got a bonus from the win at London Skolars. He was able to give some players time out and bring in others who needed game time. It was just what he wanted with the National League One season kicking off with a trip Halifax on Thursday. Aston could not afford to take chances with players carrying minor injuries but needed the 34-14 win at London in the final Northern Rail Cup group game.

"The nice thing is that we got the result and gave some people opportunities," said Aston. "There were plenty of positives. Ged Corcoran got through a lot of work and Mitch Stringer had his best game of the season. Mitch needed that coming into the league season and with Jack Howieson not being there he needed to stand up and he did."

Howieson had an ankle strain and Brendon Lindsay was given time to ease a hamstring strain with Tommy Trayler also rested.

Aston added: "Alex Rowe is still feeling his feet in the side and Ryan Hepworth took some handling. We had to rotate the squad and avoid burning out someone early in the season - we have to keep people fresh for Thursday's game. It was a chance to have a look at the development of James Morrow and Michael Hill."

The Draw for the last 16 of the Northern Rail Cup has been made and sees Sheffield Eagles play Widnes Vikings away. The full draw is as follows:

1. Barrow Raiders v Batley Bulldogs
2. Oldham v Whitehaven
3. Salford City Reds v Bramley Buffaloes or Warringon Wizards
4. Halifax v Celtic Crusaders
5. Featherstone Rovers v Leigh Centurions
6. Widnes Vikings v Sheffield Eagles
7. Gateshead Thunder v Doncaster
8. Rochdale Hornets v Dewsbury Rams

The ties will be played over the weekend 4th - 6th April with the exception of one of the above which will be shown live on Sky Sports on Thursday 3rd April 2008.

Full details of the Sheffield Eagles fixture will be announced once the club have agreed details with Widnes Vikings.

Eagles fans are reminded that they have their first chance to meet the 2008 squad on Tuesday 18th March at the Club's Race Night, to be held at Darnall Horticultural Club (first race 7.45pm).

Tickets cost £3.00 (available in advance from the Club Shop) and include a pie and pea supper.

As a bonus on the evening, fans will be able to purchase their 2008 replica shirts (subject to availability) with a five per cent discount.

All funds raised go towards Sheffield Eagles. Call 0114 261 0326 today to book tickets or purchase Horses, Jockeys and Trainers for the event.

MARK Aston faces a balancing act as he decides on the 17 for Sheffield Eagles' trip to London Skolars tomorrow. He knows the side needs a morale-boosting win in their final group game in the Northern Rail Cup. But with the league season looming and three testing games in the opening seven days he has to avoid player burn-out.

"There are a few who need a rest," said Aston. "In the first week of the league we have three games and it's important that we have as many players as possible fit and ready to go for those games. That might mean that we have to change a few things this week to give people a rest."

Prop forward Jack Howieson, second row Ged Corcoran and centre James Ford face late fitness tests. Already ruled out of the trip to London is hooker Craig Cook with stitches in a mouth wound. Forward Kyle Bibb, on loan from Wakefield, is set for a return with Michael Hill coming in at hooker and fellow Australian Dane McDonald as cover for Ford.

Last season Eagles were the surprise side in the Co-operative National League One, making the play-offs and with Aston winning the coach of the year award. The side has made a slow start this season but Aston added: "The most important thing is to perform well in the league. We have to start putting in 80 minute performances and that's what I'm looking for at London."

Eagles start the season at Halifax next Thursday with Celtic Crusaders at Don Valley on Easter Monday and Featherstone away the following Thursday.

SHEFFIELD Eagles are confident they will bring the crowds back to Don Valley with the league season about to kick-off.Patchy results and games against sides that only bring a handful of travelling fans has been reflected in attendances. That hit a low with only 367 paying at the gate for the Carnegie Challenge Cup clash with French side Lezignan last Friday. In contrast the derby game with Doncaster on a gale-hit night pulled nearly 1,000 fans.

"We fully expect the crowds to increase once the league season starts," said Paul Clarke who joined the board this season. "Our marketing of games has not been at its best and crowds have suffered as a consequence. We have an outstanding squad for the 2008 season and their response to the poor showing in the Northern Rail Cup will be a good start in the league, the players are looking to make amends."

Clarke, who is reviewing the Eagles' marketing, added: "Teams from London, Wales and France have not assisted in increasing crowds."

Eagles' coach Mark Aston said he was disappointed with the attendances after the club ended last season on a high by making the league play-off. The Northern Rail Cup has failed to capture the fans' imagination but he feels that will change.

"We've had some really bad weather on match nights - that's not helped," he said. "But people have backed this club and stuck with it. I'm sure that the fans will get behind us when the league season starts."

The Eagles' first home game in the Co-operative National League One is against Celtic Crusaders, on Easter Monday, (3.15pm).

SHEFFIELD Eagles coach Mark Aston is hoping centre Richard Newlove will shake off a shoulder injury in time for the must-win game at London Skolars. Newlove, who played in Super League with Wakefield Trinity, has missed the last two games including the Challenge Cup defeat by Lezignan. His experience would be a boost as Eagles try to bounce back and gain the consolation prize of a place in the knock-out stages of the Northern Rail Cup.

"Richard has been making progress and we'll be checking on him closely - he would give us options in the backs," said Aston.

Newlove would add experience to the centres where James Ford has yet to rediscover his scoring touch and rookie Mike Roby has played only six senior games. Irish international second row forward Ged Corcoran also faces tests after being taken off with concussion only three minutes after he came off the subs' bench in the defeat by the French league leaders.

A win in London on Saturday and Doncaster losing at Celtic Crusaders would give the Eagles second place in Group Three.

SHEFFIELD Eagles have been left with a painful Challenge Cup hangover from the defeat by French club Lezignan. Key players Ged Corcoran and Craig Cook were injured in the game. It left coach Mark Aston fuming because referee Paul Carr failed to take action over some of the French club's tactics.

Aston said: "Ged was off with concussion only three minutes after he came on and Craig was hurt in an absolutely disgraceful incident when he was kicked in the mouth. The officials say it's going on report - great!"

Corcoran and Cook are doubtful for the trip to London Skolars that could clinch a place in the knockout stages of the Northern Rail Cup. The injury to Cook - who needed stitches in a mouth wound - leaves Aston without a specialist hooker in the squad with Paul Pickering suffering from a stress fracture. Irish international Corcoran was making his return following a hand injury.

ON-LOAN prop Kyle Bibb has been cleared to play for Sheffield Eagles against French league leaders Lezignan tonight. There could also be a surprise debut for former Doncaster and Castleford front rower Alex Rowe in a bid to blunt a big powerful French pack. Wakefield boss John Kear – a former coach at Don Valley – has agreed to an extended loan so 20-year-old Bibb plays in the Carnegie Challenge Cup clash.

Aston said: "The lad is only young but he's got a good attitude. He's staying for another month – although Wakefield can call him back at any stage if they hit a run of injuries."

Bibb gives Aston the option of playing four props in the 17 – as he did in the 36-16 win over Doncaster. He may also be tempted to give a debut to Rowe who was back in training this week. Rowe has not played for five months and may lack stamina and match sharpness. Aston also has to decide if he starts with the Australian pairing of Brendon Lindsay and Dane McDonald or bring in livewire Dominic Brambani as Lindsay's half-back partner. There's an outside chance that experienced centre Richard Newlove could recover from a shoulder injury.

Aston said: "Lezignan are the best team in France; they are big and very strong. The Challenge Cup can mean a boost to the club's income so we need to win but it's a really big challenge."

DRAWING top French side Lezignan in the Carnegie Challenge Cup left Sheffield Eagles' coach Mark Aston scratching his head. He admits to having little idea of the way the visitors from across the Channel will play in tomorrow's third round clash at Don Valley Stadium.

"French teams in the Challenge Cup are strong but we don't know a lot about Lezignan - we're going into the game 'blind'," said Aston. "Professional clubs facing amateurs go in with a lack of background but you can go and watch them - we couldn't do that with a French side. I know they have James Wynne at half-back, two or three more good Australians and are doing well in their league."

Lezignan is a small town in the wine-making Corbieres region in the far south. FC Lezignan XII - nicknamed the Sangliers, or Wild Boars - were established in 1903 and is the oldest rugby league club in France. Last season they made the championship final before losing to Pia and are top of the Elite 1 league Player-coach Wynne is Australian born but a French international and the side includes three other Aussies Jared Taylor, Jaye Mullane and former Catalan Dragons prop Chris Beattie. The club also has the reputation of having the strongest development set up in the French league and includes a number of local players.

Taylor and Olivier Janzac are the try-scoring threat and with Mullane claimed touchdowns in the 28-14 win at local rivals Carcassone last weekend.

Aston, who played for Great Britain against France in 1992, added: "We know they are a strong side who are well into their season - we've just started ours. It will be tough but we're coming off a good win over Doncaster when we got back into some kind of order. We're training hard this week and aim to go into the game with a smile on our face. The Challenge Cup is an important competition and we need to progress and make a few quid for the club."

Friday's game at Don Valley stadium kicks-off at 8pm. As it is the Challenge Cup season tickets are not valid and it is pay at the gate.

SHEFFIELD Eagles’ coach Mark Aston is hoping that his ‘old pals’ John Kear and Paul Broadbent will let him keep on-loan forward Kyle Bibb. Bibb joined the Eagles a month ago from Wakefield Trinity but played what could be his final game in the 36-16 win over Doncaster. Kear and Broadbent – who were coach and captain of the Eagles 1998 Challenge Cup winning side – are now the coaching team at Trinity.

“Kyle’s loan ended with the Doncaster game but we want to keep him for at least another month and are hoping that John and Paul will agree,” said Aston. “They might be reluctant because it’s the Challenge Cup coming up. Kyle has been great for us but he’s not ready to play Super League rugby at this time so they might leave him with us.”

The 20-year-old prop has played in four games scoring one try. Having him allowed Aston to include four props in the 17 for the Doncaster game. But Wakefield might be reluctant to let Bibb be cup-tied by playing in the Eagles next game against French club Lezignan XII in the third round of the Challenge Cup, at Don Valley on Friday night. Wakefield also have a small squad and a growing injury list with key players sidelined last weekend.

But Aston does have the option of rushing Alex Rowe into action. The former Doncaster prop is back in training after the conditions of his bail on an assault charge were amended and he was allowed to return to live in Sheffield.

Aston added; “Alex can come back training and will be in contention for Friday’s game.”

MARK Aston has put out a call to trace members of the Sheffield Eagles’ squad who were at Wembley for the Challenge Cup final win over Wigan Warriors. The 10th anniversary of the 17-8 triumph is in May and the Eagles are holding a celebration dinner. Aston, who won the Lance Todd Trophy and is now coach of the Eagles, said: “It’s going to be a great night and we want as many of the squad there as possible.

“It’s an invite to all the squad – you don’t get much chance to see each other and we have something to remember and celebrate. The win over Wigan was unexpected, something that most people didn’t think we could achieve – that makes it even more appropriate that we get back together again.”

John Kear, coach of he Eagles in 1998 and Wembley skipper Paul Broadbent – now the coaching team at Wakefield – plus Keith Senior, Darren ‘Rocky’ Turner, Waisale Sovatabua, Dale Laughton and Darren Shaw are already lined up. The celebration will include highlights of the game with Ray French providing the commentary. The event at Sheffield’s Baldwins Omega is sponsored by Arnold Laver Timber World and is already nearly sold out.

As part of the celebrations the Eagles’ game against Salford City Reds has been bought forward to the night after the dinner Friday 2 May – 10 years to the day after the Wembley final.

Aston added: “I’m trying to trace people – I still know where most of the players are – Rocky Turner and Waisale Sovatabua are still involved with the club but some like Dave Watson and Whetu Taewa I’ve lost touch with. I just want them to give me a call – or if you know where they are ask them to contact me or tell them to get in touch. A large percentage of the players are still in this country and we can enjoy the meal, watch the highlights, have a chat and few beers.

Mark Aston can be contacted on 0114 2610326 or email mark.aston@sheffieldeagles.com

Sheffield Eagles have brought forward their fixture with Salford City Reds to Friday 2nd May, 8pm Kick Off at Don Valley Stadium.

The fixture is 10 years to the day since Sheffield lifted the Challenge Cup in their 17-8 victory over Wigan Warriors at Wembley Stadium.

The draw for the Third Round of the 2008 Carnegie Challenge Cup has been made and sees Sheffield Eagles face Lezignan XIII at home on Friday 7th March, 8pm Kick Off, Don Valley Stadium.

In this round the grass-roots teams that have qualified from the previous matches are joined by professional clubs from The Co-operative National Leagues. The tournament rules are that these clubs must be drawn against amateur or overseas opposition. There are more Co-operative National League clubs than amateur and overseas clubs and so two National League clubs had to be selected to be included in the latter grouping.

A preliminary draw was made and Halifax and Blackpool Panthers were drawn to join the amateurs, French and Russians. Also, during the main draw, an additional draw took place to determine whether The Co-operative National League club played at home or away.

All French and Russian clubs play away from home in this round regardless of where they were drawn.

The draw in full is:
Sheffield Eagles v Lezignan XIII
York City Knights v Halifax
Leeds Metropolitan University v Doncaster
Blackpool Panthers v Featherstone Rovers
Wath Brow Hornets v Swinton Lions
Rochdale Hornets v York Acorn
London Skolars v Queens
Bank Quay Bulls v Hunslet Hawks
British Army v Oldham
Leigh Centurions v Featherstone Lions
Batley Bulldogs v East Hull
Wigan St Pats v Workington Town
Keighley Cougars v Toulouse XIII
Gateshead Thunder v SM Pia XIII
Celtic Crusaders v Lokomotiv Moscow
Mayfield v Barrow Raiders
Widnes Vikings v Skirlaugh
Oulton Raiders v Dewsbury Rams
Salford City Reds v Warrington Wizards
Leigh Miners Rangers v Whitehaven

PRIDE as much as points will be at stake when Sheffield Eagles face Doncaster at Don Valley on Sunday. Coach Mark Aston says the players feel they have to win the fans back after being booed off the field following the 50-32 defeat by London Skolars.

"When you are playing in your city and in front of your fans, it's about pride and making sure that you put in the performance that the fans deserve," he said. "Last Friday the fans were booing and rightly so because the performance wasn't what they expected and nor to the standard we have set ourselves. If the players have got anything about themselves they will put in a good performance."

A win will give the Eagles a double over the Dons in the Northern Rail Cup group games - but Aston warns it won't be easy. The Dons lost 30-22 to Celtic Crusaders in their last game but earned a bonus point and are four points ahead of the Eagles in group three. If they beat the Eagles they will ensure second place in the group and qualification for the knockout stages.

Doncaster under Ellery Hanley have grown in confidence .The squad has been boosted by a number of big-name signings, the latest ex-Great Britain forward Jamie Thackray on loan from Leeds Rhinos. Hanley has also added young half-back Kyle Briggs from Leeds and centre Zeb Luisi from Harlequins to his squad.

Aston said: "Having watched the DVD of the Doncaster game against Celtic Crusaders, by far the best team was Doncaster."

SHEFFIELD Eagles had to relive every missed tackle and squandered scoring chance of their home defeat by London Skolars. The Eagles were booed by their fans at the end of the game. Coach Mark Aston put the squad through a tough training session, then showed the 'horror' DVD of 50-32 loss.

"The players are down - it isn't very often that Don Valley fans boo the team," he said. "We had a long video session looking at the London game - it was tough and the talking was straight to the point."

Eagles aim to bounce back when Doncaster come to Don Valley on Sunday, (3.15pm.) A win would restore pride and keep alive the Eagles' slim hopes of sneaking into the knockout stages of the Northern Rail Cup at the expense of the Dons. Aston hopes that his coaching team will be boosted at the game by the return of his assistant Darren 'Rocky' Turner, who missed pre-season through work commitments.

Aston said: "It was a disappointment that Rocky couldn't be here but it happens. It was a bit of a challenge and Was Sovatabua has done a great job."

SHEFFIELD Eagles boss Mark Aston is closely monitoring the fitness of some of his senior players ahead of a crucial South Yorkshire derby. He would welcome an injection of battle-hardened experience for the clash with Doncaster, at Don Valley Stadium on Sunday.

A calf strain has kept half-back Gavin Brown - the squad's most senior player - on the sidelines so far this season. He was joined there by centre Richard Newlove (pinched nerve) and second-rower Craig Brown (ligament strain) for the shock home defeat by London Skolars last Friday. With Irish international Ged Corcoran (dislocated thumb) and hooker Paul Pickering (stress fracture) out for the coming weeks, the problems are mounting for Aston.

But prop Yusuf Sozi seemed to come through his first game in 18 months, following a broken leg, well and centre James Ford played his first game of the season against London.

"It was good to have Yusuf back. The fans obviously enjoyed the impact he made," said Aston. But apart from him coming back there were not many positives from the London game. James Ford played his first game of the season and it was good to have him back, but we've got a few players carrying injuries."

The Eagles trail Doncaster by four points with two games to play in group three of the Northern Rail Cup. A win on Sunday is vital to the club's slim hopes of making the knockout stages.

Sheffield's University Students will do battle ahead of the South Yorkshire Rugby League Derby on Sunday 2nd March, when Sheffield University face Sheffield Hallam University in the 12th Annual Varsity Challenge.

Last year, Sheffield Hallam University were victors, over-running their cross city rivals 22-8. The game is again being played at Don Valley Stadium, courtesy of Sheffield Eagles, and kicks off at 12.45pm.

Last year a number of SRL players went on to play for Sheffield Eagles Senior Academy side and The Eagles coaching staff will again be running the rule over the fixture to see if there are potential recruits for the 2008 Reserve Side.

COACH Mark Aston will send a patched-up Sheffield Eagles side on the first stage of a must-win mission against London Skolars tonight. The Eagles have to gain three points and go on to win the final two group games if they are to make the knock-out stages of the Northern Rail Cup. Aston is hoping to have last season's top try scorer James Ford at centre for the first time this season and that Richard Newlove will also have shaken off an injury. But definitely out is Irish international second row Ged Corcoran with a dislocated thumb and hooker Paul Pickering with a stress fracture. Prop Kyle Bibb, on loan from Wakefield, is also a doubt.

"Hopefully James and Richard will be in contention," said Aston. "They need to start playing, but we won't risk them if they are not 100 per cent. Kyle got a bit of a dead leg against Celtic Crusaders at the weekend and didn't play any further part after the first 20 minutes. We have to see what range of movement he has but hopefully he'll be fine."

Aston is also be hoping that group three leaders Crusaders prolong their unbeaten run at Doncaster, who are above the Eagles in the table. That will set up a great South Yorkshire derby clash with Ellery Hanley's team at Don Valley in seven days time.

Skolars come to Don Valley tonight (8pm) without a win in the Northern Rail Cup but are a rapidly improving side.

Last year the Second Division side gained their best ever points haul with five wins and a draw in the league. Skolars, under former Leigh coach Tony Benson, will include Fijian international Namila Davui and two players on loan from upper League club Harlequins - Tony Clubb and Dwayne Barker.

Aston said; "They are getting there - they did well last season and they have added more players. Namila Davui - who we wanted - has signed for them and they have been getting a few players from Harlequins. They will certainly be better than when we last played them and we have to give them respect and improve on what we did last week."

SHEFFIELD Eagles will face the player they were 'banned' from signing by rugby league bosses when London Skolars arrive at Don Valley tomorrow. Fijian centre Namila Davui was almost on the plane after agreeing a deal until the Rugby Football League refused to back a work permit plea. But because Skolars have 'development club' status they were able to sign the player who has been playing in Australia. It is a galling situation for Eagles coach Mark Aston who is struggling to find cover at centre.

"I'm looking forward to seeing him and having a chat after the game," said Aston. "We tried to sign him, we agreed a deal but the powers that be wouldn't allow us to register him. Now bizarrely he turns up playing for London - because they are a 'development club!' He's a big powerful lad and by all accounts the last few games he's been strong for them and I'm sure they enjoy having him."

Aston is hoping that experienced centres Richard Newlove and James Ford will be fit for the must-win game in Group Three of the Northern Rail Cup.

"We certainly wanted to sign Namila Davui because he would have added something to the side," added Aston

Eagles have to beat Second Division side Skolars if they are to have any hope of over-taking Doncaster and claim the second place in the knock-out stages behind runaway group leaders Celtic Crusaders who are at the Dons tomorrow.

The South West Yorkshire ARL Cup Final takes place on Saturday 23rd February with a 2pm kick off at Hoyland Vikings ground at Elsecar Cricket Club, Elsecar, Barnsley. The Cup will be contested by Dodworth and Grimethorpe, with both clubs looking forward very much to getting their hands on the local silverware. Favourites will be Dodworth, playing in the higher division in the Pennine League, but Club Secretary Geoff Wake insists it won't be an easy game.

"We're expecting a physical game. We know Grimethorpe are a well coached side and we know they can play." he said. "Our aim is to play the football we know we're capable of. We'll be trying to outplay them."

The winter weather has had its effect on Dodworth's preparation, with the club only having played two or three times since Christmas.

"Its been hard to get the game time in since the Semi Finals, but its been the same for Grimethorpe" Geoff explains. "We'll do our best on the day. We're really gunning for the cup. There was a time when we virtually owned it. Fortunes have changed in recent years, but we've set ourselves a goal and that is to bring the cup back to Dodworth."

Dodworth scraped past Dearne Valley in a tight preliminary round before putting Hoyland Vikings to the sword in the semi final. The route to the final for Grimethorpe has been straight forward as they were due to face Rotherham Roosters in the semi-final, but following the demise of the Rotherham club, Grimethorpe acceeded straight to the Final.

"There's no easier route other than straight in" admits Grimethorpe Coach Chris Clarke, "but I dont think having experience of the local sides matters too much at this level. We're clearly the underdogs, but we'll be looking to play the game as we would every other game. We've struggled to get our fixtures in the Pennine League, but we've played Woodhouse at the weekend and that'll be good preparation."

"We know a bit about Dodworth, they've got some good players like (ex Eagle Dale's son) Brooke Laughton" he explains "and it'd be a big boost to our club only in its second year if we could turn them over and take the Cup home. We've got a couple of players out due to holidays, but we'll just do what we can on the day and make it a success either way."

As with all of the competition, the game will be officiated by members of the South Yorkshire & East Midlands Referees Society. David Butler is the referee, with Luke Fellows and Richard Haycox as his touch judges and Sally Walthers-Thomas as the reserve official.

SHEFFIELD Eagles must win their next two home games if they are to keep alive hopes of making the knock-out stage of the Northern Rail Cup. The crunch game is likely to be against Doncaster in their final home game in the group stages.

Eagles are adrift in third place in Group Three after a 34-14 defeat at unbeaten leaders Celtic Crusaders. South Yorkshire rivals Doncaster moved three points ahead (on seven) after a 26-22 win at London Skolars and have a better points-scored difference. But Eagles have the chance to go level on Friday when Skolars - who have yet to win - arrive at Don Valley. Doncaster have a tough home game against unbeaten Crusaders on the same night.

Seven days later Ellery Hanley brings his side to Don Valley for what looks like the clash that will decide the final place in the knock-out rounds. The following weekend - in the final group games - Doncaster face a tough trip to Crusaders but Eagles will be favourites to win at London. Coach Mark Aston's hopes of Eagles taking at least a bonus point from the trip to Crusaders were dashed as he had to field a side hit by injuries.

"We can still make the knock-out stages," said Aston. "We have two home games - London next Friday then Doncaster and then finally it's London away. The games on our own ground are important. By then, I'd hope that we will have a few more people coming back so we can rotate things and have a look at everybody."

THE return of prop Mitch Stringer will boost Sheffield Eagles' squad for the marathon trip to Celtic Crusaders today. The prop will return after missing the win at Doncaster with the after-effects of concussion suffered in the Crusaders game at Don Valley. Aston will take a squad that has been hit by injuries to six frontline players.

"Having Mitch fit and available is a bonus," said Aston. "We have the type of injuries you always get early season and I won't be risking players."

The Eagles face a 500-mile round trip to Bridgend, in South Wales, for the Group Three game in the Northern Rail Cup (kick-off 5.30pm). Aston is set to bring in forwards Nick Turnbull and Grant Edwards, who were rested for the win at Doncaster. He'll also have prop Kyle Bibb in the 17 for his second game of a loan spell from Wakefield. Australians Dane McDonald and Michael Hill are also in the frame.

Aston Said: "It will be tough. Crusaders play well on their own ground, as you would expect. It's a wide pitch - a rugby union pitch. It's a challenge but we'll go there stronger than when they came to Don Valley. We're moving on, we're fitter and hopefully we can get something."

The Eagles narrowly lost 22-12 to the Crusaders in the opening Rail Cup game but came back with 16-6 win at Doncaster.

"When we played the Crusaders, defensively we were very strong and dominant," said Aston. "But against Doncaster we weren't as dominant so we've had a session of contact training this week to get things back in place. Control in defence is an area we need to improve on. It won't be easy at Crusaders but it was close at Don Valley. Having had to go such a long way, the lads will want something out of it."

A SUDDEN rush of injuries is set to force coach Mark Aston's hand as he picks his Sheffield Eagles line-up for the trip to Celtic Crusaders tomorrow. Aston had been planning to rotate some of his squad after an unconvincing win at Doncaster.

"We have a few out with little niggles but you always get that at the beginning of the season," said Aston. "I was hoping to change the team about this weekend but I can't do much. The people who did well last week will be playing and we'll try to give one or two like Nick Turnbull and Grant Edwards more game time to see how their pre-season has gone."

Centre Richard Newlove and Irish international Ged Corcoran look certain to be ruled out of the trip to South Wales for the Group Three game in the Northern Rail Cup (5.30pm). Hopes that last season's top try scorer James Ford and experienced half-back Gavin Brown would play their first games of the season are fading although they face late fitness checks.

Second row Craig Brown - who has impressed in the opening games of the Northern Rail Cup - is struggling with a ligament problem. That could mean Tommy Trayler being kept in the squad.

COACH Mark Aston is set to give some Eagles players an early season reminder to sharpen up. The Eagles claimed their first win of the season at Doncaster but Aston’s not ruling out changes.

“There are some people who came away from Doncaster with quite a bit of credit but there were some who looked a bit rusty and they know what they have to do or face the consequences,” he said. “It was a bit of a flat game and we need to be a bit smarter. But we came away with an away win – it keeps things ticking over and we can go to Celtic Crusaders on Saturday on a win.”

The two First Division sides clash for the second time in the group within three weeks – the Crusaders gaining a 22-12 win at Don Valley in the opening group game. The Eagles need at least a bonus point from the trip to Bridgend to boost their chances of making the play-off stages of the Northern Rail Cup. The value of a bonus point was emphasised with the late try conceded in the 16-6 win at the Keepmoat costing the Eagles second place in the group to the Dons on points difference.

Aston has options for the Crusaders clash – even with hooker Paul Pickering out, forwards Yusuf Sozi and Matthew Whitaker still recovering from long-term injuries and Alex Rowe unavailable. Experienced half-back Gavin Brown, last season’s top try-scorer centre James Ford and back rower James Morrow did not play in the opening two games.

Aston added: “I’ve been assessing where we are and now it’s down to training during the week to get ready for a big game. I changed the team about a bit last week and there will possibly be a few more changes for the Crusaders game.”

Mark Aston has delivered a tough verdict on the derby win at Doncaster. The Eagles left the Keepmoat with their first victory of the season but Aston said: “It was bitty and we came down to their level, getting involved in all the little bits of untidiness and we lost concentration – it wasn’t good enough.”

The Eagles squandered chances to close down the game after going into the second half leading 16-0. A mistake in the final seconds gave the Dons a try and a bonus point that kept them above the Eagles in group three of the Northern Rail Cup.

Aston said: “We dropped the ball when clear for a try – that’s loss of concentration. Credit to Doncaster they had a plan and tried to disrupt us and they certainly did that. When we were walking away 16-0 up you had to be reasonably happy that defensively we hadn’t conceded a point but that changed with the last play of the game.”

The Dons try came when a kick by Brendon Lindsay – who had been dominant at half-back – went into the hands of Luke Gale who had a clear run to the try line.

Aston added: “It’s about the right execution, that wasn’t the right execution at that point. That’s a disappointment because we need to do better than that. If we had got a try early in the second half they would have gone down but we didn’t come up with the try.”

The win was the Eagles first of the season and saw strong performances from prop Jack Howieson, second row Tommy Trayler and a try and two conversions for fullback Johnny Woodcock – his first points of the season.

Aston said “Some people come out of the game with credit but I don’t think we caused enough problems for Doncaster or asked enough questions in the right area of the field. We kept letting the pressure off and not asking the right questions at the right time.”

SHEFFIELD Eagles have taken Wakefield Prop or Second Row Kyle Bibb on a month's loan. The 106kg forward joined the Wildcats from Hull FC during the 2007 season.

"Kyle has a lot of promise and needs first team game time, which is why he's joining us for a loan period." Said Mark Aston, Eagles Head Coach. "We don't bring people on loan and not play them, so he'll be in the mix tonight when we take on Doncaster. He's a big strong unit and we're expecting big things from him."

Coach Mark Aston made the signing because Yusul Sozi is not match fit, Alex Rowe is unavailable because of a pending court case and Mitch Stringer was ruled out of the Dons game with concussion. His plea for help was answered by former Eagles’ boss John Kear and former skipper Paul Broadbent now the coaching team at Super League side Wakefield.

“It was an opportunity to add a player from a higher level,” said Aston. “He’s the right age 20, he played in two or three pre-season games for Wakefield and stood up pretty well. I spoke to John Kear and Paul Broadbent and they think he can do a good job for us. We put Kyle in at Doncaster and he looked strong and useful.”

Bibb was with the Hull FC Academy before joining Wakefield this season. The loan spell will give the player valuable first team experience. The loan is for a month but Aston hasn’t ruled out a longer stay.

He added: “Kyle will be helping us and we’ll be helping Wakefield because they haven’t got an under 21s game and he probably wasn’t going to start in the first team. After the first month he could be with us week after week.”

SHEFFIELD Eagles must face the 'Hanley effect' in tonight's derby game at Doncaster. Former Great Britain captain Ellery Hanley saw the Dons cruise to a 32-10 win over London Skolars in his first competitive game as head coach. That's put Doncaster on a high after a difficult 2007, which saw the club relegated from Division One.

"Doncaster will be smiling after getting a good win and they've got one of rugby league's greatest ever players there as head coach and I'm sure he'll want to put one over us as will his players," said Eagles coach Mark Aston. "It's a South Yorkshire derby game, it's at the Keepmoat and they'll want to back up their win against London."

Hanley's arrival at Doncaster – after eight years out of the game – has added an extra dimension to the Northern Rail Cup group games. Named as Great Britain's all-time No 1 player Hanley coached St Helens to the Super League title in 1999. Since then his only involvement with the game has been a brief unsuccessful spell as a consultant at Castleford in 1994. Hanley refuses to see the game against Sheffield as special but admits the fans will.

He said: "I don't look at derbies, I just look at games and take each game as they come and make sure that the players are adapted and equipped to play that game for 80 minutes. They (the fans) will and they pay good money. They will expect that the players put in a good performance."

Hanley's return has brought a surge of interest in the Dons who went into administration last year before being rescued by Shane Miller, now chief executive, and Craig Harrison the new chairman. Dons have been boosted by high profile Australian Chris McKenna from Bradford and the year-long loan of Graeme Horne from Hull FC.

Eagles' coach Mark Aston is confident his squad will be sharper after the 22-12 defeat by Celtic Crusaders in their opening group three game.

He said: "We were strong defensively - Celtic scored on the flanks and that was always a danger because we had thrown a lot of new people together. We got a lot of confidence out of the game, playing against full-time players."

SHEFFIELD Eagles boss Mark Aston is set to make a raft of changes for the derby clash at Doncaster tomorrow. Aston needs to get as many of his squad game time in the Northern Rail Cup ahead of the start of the League season next month. He’s hoping that last season’s first choice centres Richard Newlove and James Ford will have recovered from training injuries.

In the defeat by Celtic Crusaders Aston fielded a pairing of Mike Roby, making his debut, and Grant Farrow who has played only nine first team games over the past two seasons.

He said: “We put Mike Roby in the centre with Grant Farrow – both pretty inexperienced against a good Celtic team. So there were always going to be questions asked and maybe they didn’t come up with all the answers.”

The experienced Gavin Brown could come back at scrum-half after injury to partner Brendon Lindsay. Stand-off Lindsay, who is in possibly his last season at the Eagles before retuning to Australia, led a mid-game fight back against the Crusaders.

“Brendon was outstanding but you are what you train and Brendon this year in preseason has been great,” said Aston. “That’s been the same for Tom Buckenham, Craig Brown, Tommy Trayler and Adam Hayes. All those who really stood against Celtic were those that pushed themselves in pre-season training and you could see that. We now have to make sure that everyone else gets up to that standard because it won’t be easy at Doncaster.”

In the pack Mitch Stringer is doubtful with concussion but Irish international Ged Cocoran and rookie prop Ryan Hepworth sat out the Celtic game and will be available.

FEARS of the impact of being in the ‘round Britain’ group of the Northern Rail Cup will have on Sheffield Eagles finances look to be coming true. The Eagles face long, expensive trips to South Wales based Celtic Crusaders and London Skolars – and it’s unlikely either club will bring many travelling supporters to Don Valley.

Chairman Ian Swire has warned there could be a “gaping hole” in the club’s financial projections. That was borne out by a crowd of only 773 – including only a handful of Crusaders supporters - for last Friday’s game at Don Valley. The only consolation is a derby game with Doncaster – the fourth team in the group.

In contrast last season the Eagles had money-spinning games with Yorkshire rivals Castleford Tigers and Featherstone Rovers plus Doncaster. The Castleford game produced a crowd of just under 1,900 at Don Valley. The Eagles have protested about being put in a group with the games two ‘outpost clubs’ but the Rugby Football League has ignored the complaints.

Chairman Ian Swire, writing in the Eagles programme for the Crusaders game, said: “From a financial prospective, substituting Castleford and Featherstone from last year with Celtic and London this year leaves a gaping hole in our projections and the tight financial ship that we run has no scope for any holes, particularly ones that could have been avoided by the RFL taking a little time to consider the issues.”

SHEFFIELD Eagles faced a hard training session yesterday on Sunday morning with coach Mark Aston determined to hammer home some hard lessons. Aston feels errors by individuals cost his side a win in the opening game in group three of the Northern Rail Cup against Celtic Crusaders. Led by stand-off Brendon Lindsay the Eagles had fought back to level the game at 12-12 before two late tries gave the South Wales side the victory.

“There might be a few broken hearts after the Crusaders game,” said Aston. “Defensively we were good but early on there were a few incidents and a couple of people didn’t react in the right manner and that cost us a couple of tries. But we looked strong and fit against a full-time squad which is a positive – but we have to learn from the mistakes. The disappointing thing is that individual errors cost us the game. We were in training Sunday morning, then Tuesday and Wednesday for tough sessions.”

Aston will be looking for a tighter performance in Friday’s game at Doncaster – who beat London Skolars 32-10 in their opening group games. That was a first win for new Dons coach and former Great Britain star Ellery Hanley on his return to the game eight years after he coached St Helens to the Super League title.

“We’ve got a derby game coming up – they are always tough and we’ve got to keep improving,” added Aston. Prop forward Mitch Stringer is a doubt after a blow to the head in the Crusaders game left him with concussion.

SHEFFIELD Eagles coach Mark Aston is banking on the Northern Rail Cup to put his squad on a fast-track for the new season. The opening game with Celtic Crusaders will be the first time the squad has been in match action since September.

"We will see how the players are coming into the first game - accepting that we haven't had any friendlies the intensity of the training and the commitment will make up for that," said Aston. "It's a tough opening game - Celtic being full-time and having the finance behind them they will be very strong. They will be challenging at the top of Division One - it'll be a tough ask for us but one we're looking forward to. These are the type of games we want to play - games that will get us up to speed for the start of the league in March."

The decision not to play pre-season games was a risk but means Aston has almost a fully fit squad to choose from for tomorrow's (Friday's) game at Don Valley Stadium, kick-off 8pm. Only hooker Paul Pickering and back rower Matthew Whitaker are ruled out by injury and prop Alex Rowe by the conditions of his bail on an alleged assault charge.

Aston added: "The plan is all systems go - the intensity has been there since after the Christmas break. Training has gone to another level - it has been physical and that was the same for the first two sessions this week. We won't be tapering down in training until the week before the first league game in March - until then the intensity stays high."

After the Crusaders' visit the Eagles have away games at South Yorkshire rivals Doncaster - coached by former Great Britain skipper Ellery Hanley and the return with South Wales based Celtic. Then the third side in the group London Skolars come to Don Valley.

Aston said: "Last season we had Castleford, Featherstone and Doncaster in the group games - that was tough and it put us in shape for the start of the season and this year's games will be just as competitive. We've a South Yorkshire derby and Ellery Hanley back in coaching. Doncaster haven't set off lighting any candles but I'm sure by they time the game comes they'll be up for an upset. They've got quality players in Craig Lawton, Peter Green and Chris McKenna. They will be a tough game for us."

FORMER star player Waisale Sovatabua has come to the rescue of Sheffield Eagles and been drafted in as assistant coach for the early season games. The SOS went out to the Fijian duel-code international after Mark Aston's number two Darren 'Rocky' Turner was called away to work in Ireland.

"Was has stepped in and has been doing a great job with the players pre-season," said coach Aston. "He'll be on the bench for Friday's game against Celtic Crusaders. It's great being able to call on Was - he's got a mass of experience at the top level in the game and the players really respect him."

Sovatabua, Turner and Aston were all part of the Eagles' side that won the Challenge Cup final against Wigan at Wembley ten years ago. Turner returned to the club as assistant coach last season and played a big part in the club making the top six play-offs in the club's first season in the Co-operative National League One.

Sovatabua, who played rugby league and union for Fiji, finished his career in the 13-aside code in the Eagles in the 2006 promotion season after spells at Huddersfield and Wakefield. Last year he coached the newly established Academy side with another ex-Eagles star Chris Robinson.

The Eagles start their season with the visit of Welsh side Crusaders in the group stage of the Northern Rail Cup, at Don Valley on Friday, (8pm.)  Paul Pickering will miss the game with a groin injury.

"It's an injury that it seemswon't go away," said Aston. "Paul has had a scan and we're hoping to get to the bottom of it soon."

SHEFFIELD Eagles are set to lose forward Dale Holdstock for the coming season. A troublesome knee injury has flared up and the experienced second rower has not been training at Don Valley in recent weeks.

"Dale had a bit of a tough time last year with injuries to the point where at the end of the season we took him to see a specialist," said coach Mark Aston. "It was thought that knee reconstruction surgery might be needed but one out of 10 get away with it and Dale was that one. "We thought that he might possibly get through the season and that's what the surgeons said."

But with the Hull-based player having not reported for training Aston accepts that Holdstock may have had a change of heart about playing on. Holdstock, 28, joined the Eagles in the final third of the 2006 season from Halifax. Last season he played in 17 games scoring two tries.

Definitely leaving Don Valley is winger Zac Hill who is returning to Australia. Hill joined last season but has struggled to break into the side.