Sheffield Eagles Latest News               

The move to Sheffield United’s ground will now be in April because of work on the pitch.

The Eagles will play their first game at Bramall Lane against Featherstone Rovers on Sunday 11 April.

The decision was made because of work needed on Sheffield United’s pitch in the aftermath of the ‘big freeze’.

The game against Dewsbury Rams is now likely to be switched to Friday 19 March at Don Valley Stadium with a 7.30pm kick-off.

The other game affected is the visit of Barrow, originally planned for Monday 5 April. The clubs have already agreed to switch fixtures with the game being played at Barrow on Monday 5 April, 3pm. The return will be played at Don Valley Stadium on Sunday 27 June, kick-off 3pm.

Eagles’ chief executive and head coach Mark Aston said: “The recent cold spell has taken a toll on all sports clubs. With Sheffield United we desire for the best possible playing surface.”

“As planned we will still be playing the majority of our home Championship games at Bramall Lane this season.”

Sheffield United’s Operations Director Simon Argall said: “We have met with representatives from the Eagles to consider the forthcoming fixture list and Eagles� home games at Bramall Lane.”

 “The meeting reviewed the current pitch conditions and playing surface, taking into account the impact of the recent severe winter weather and the likelihood of a further cold snap.  Both clubs want to play on the best possible surface at Bramall Lane so, taking the weather factors into account, the planned home games against Dewsbury and Barrow have been switched.”

Jim Collins

You can help keep the Rugby League Challenge Cup Final as a ‘free-to-air’ television event by contacting your Member of Parliament.

The Davis Committee recently recommended to the Sports Minister that the Challenge Cup Final lose it’s A-list status and that could mean that it would no longer be free for fans to view.

Sheffield Eagles and the Rugby Football League are against this threat to you being able to watch the Final of the game’s oldest competition. Sheffield fans will never forget that great day in 1998 when the Eagles beat Wigan Warriors to lift the Challenge Cup.

MPs on the All-Party Parliamentary Rugby League Group are fighting this move – but they need you help.

Below is a draft letter that you can send to your MP setting out the case to protect the Challenge Cup Final and asking for your MPs’  support. If you are not sure who your MPs is go to www.parliament.uk, and type in your postcode.

Remember – 1998. Don’t let the final disappear from our TV screens.

Click here for a draft of the letter

Jim Collins

The big freeze that forced the postponement of the Eagles’ game against Halifax could result in prop Ryan Hepworth being available for the re-arranged clash.

Hepworth still has two games of a three-match suspension to serve but those should now be taken up by the group games against Featherstone on Sunday and when York Knights come to Don Valley Stadium on Sunday 14 February.

That would mean the prop, who was one of the club’s big performers last season, will be back in action in the re-arranged game with Halifax at Don Valley Stadium, on Wednesday 17 February.

The Halifax game will be the second of three the Eagles face in a week and a win over the Rail Cup favourites could take the team into the knock-out stages.

“It gives Ryan a bit of chance to get back,” said coach Mark Aston, after Sunday’s opening league game fell victim to a frozen Don Valley pitch.

 “He misses the game at Featherstone on Sunday then the York game at Don Valley.”

“But he will be back for the Halifax game fresh as a daisy which is good when you are in a three game week you need as many people as possible ready to go and hungry.”

Hepworth was banned after being sent off following his part in a brawl during the Eagles first round Championship play-off defeat to Featherstone Rovers in September last year.

The former Royal Marine has been able to count one of the Eagles’ two pre-season friendlies against his ban but has to sit out two games in the Rail Cup.

Hepworth established himself in the first team in the second half of last season playing in 13 games and scoring six tries. He also took the Eagles’ Coaches’ Award and Website Readers’ Award.

Jim Collins

Former Eagles’ star Paul McDermott is offering rugby league rugby fans the chance to help charity.

He’s launched an online game that gives fans the chance to predict Super League scores to win a £20,00 prize and boost good causes.

Benefiting will be Help for Heroes, the GMB Sports Section and players’ Association, RFL Benevolent Fund and the fans’ chosen rugby league club.

McDermott’s mydreamscores.com went live in the last couple of days. It costs fans a one-off  £12 a season to play with 40 per cent of the fee going to the charities.

He said: “Our computer will send you the estimated scores of the next week’s Super League games and you can either keep those scores or change any one or all of them up to 48 hours before the game.  

“The estimated scores will be matched against the actual scores. If you get them right you get maximum points but there are 12 different ways of scoring points so even if you don’t know anything about the game you can still get points.”

“One way is the ‘reverse score’ where you get points for getting the match score completely wrong!”

There will be a weekly winner with a major prize of £20,000 for the person who accumulates the most points at the end of the Super League season.

Eagles’ coach Mark Aston said: “Paul was really determined as a player and seems to have a great idea for fans to have a bit of fun and benefit charities and the game.”

McDermott, a back row forward who played 99 games for the Eagles from 1984-89, added: “There’s been a lot of interest from clubs because they and the charities will benefit.”

“All the clubs’ Championship, and Super League, will benefit. We want to try and generate income for the Championship clubs, like the Eagles, because obviously they don’t have the same pull as the Super League clubs.”

Fans can get full details how to play by going to www.mydreamscores.com

Jim Collins

Irish internationals Tim Bergin and John Coleman have agreed contracts with the Eagles, coach Mark Aston has confirmed.

Bergin was immediately put on standby to play Sunday's game against Halifax in the Northern Rail Cup, Don Valey Stadium, kick-off 3pm.

Aston said: “I'm delight that Tim and John will sign two-year contracts, they did well during their trial at the club and in the two friendly games they played in.”

“Tim may play against Halifax on his trialist contract. John has gone back to Ireland to sort a few things but will be back in Sheffield in a few days.”

The pair will provide valuable cover for the Eagles in the outside backs.

Winger Danny Mills is sidelined for six weeks following hernia and hand operations and Aston’s problems deepened with a jaw injury to Ashley Thackeray in the friendly against Hull FC.

Irish Elite League players Coleman, 23, from the Dublin City Exiles and Tim Bergin, 24, from Laois Panthers had long spells in Sunday’s game against Super League team Hull FC. Both played for Ireland in the European Cup.

Bergin said earlier this week that only details on the contracts needed to be settled. He added: “I’ve been offered a contract. We shook on it but terms have to be agreed and I’ll sign it. John is pretty much in the same boat.”

The pair join Irish international players Ged Corcoran and Michael Haley at the Eagles.

Jim Collins

Eagles’ captain Jack Howison says his testimonial game against Hull FC was “a day to remember”.

The long-serving prop forward led out the teams hand-in-hand with his two young children Chloe and Max before a 1,401 crowd at Don Valley Stadium.

“The club, the sponsors and the fans made it a great experience,” he said. “It was good to have my kids with me when we ran out. It was a day to remember.”

Jack even pulled a surprise when he kicked his first, and likely final ever, conversion to the Eagles’ final try in a 46-18 defeat.

He added: “I’d like to thank all the people involved. The lads who played in the game, the fans who came, from Sheffield and Hull - were great and I hope they enjoyed the game,” he said.

“It was a great day, the result didn’t go our way but the second half performance was better than the first.”

A special testimonial brochure packed with articles and photographs charting the Jack’s career went on sale at the Hull FC game and will available at Sunday’s Northern Rail Cup opening group game against Halifax at Don Valley

Jim Collins

The signing of centre or back row forward Joe Hirst will give greater options in the squad with the new season approaching.

The 22-year-old had a successful spell on loan at the Eagles from Featherstone Rovers loan spell last season. He signed in time to play in the friendly win at Doncaster.

“We made Joe an offer of a contract early in the pre-season but he wanted time to think, now he’s come back and we’re happy he’s joining us,” said coach Mark Aston.

“Joe’s an experienced player who’s got a good attitude and did well when he came on loan last year. He’s a tall strong player who can play in the back row or at centre.”

“He’s missed a fair bit of the pre-season but he’s been looking after himself and knows how we play.”

A late-season deadline loan signing by the Eagles from Featherstone, Hirst made four appearances before rejoining Rovers and played in their Championship play-offs semi-final defeat by Widnes Vikings.

Hirst said: “I’m happy to have signed. The delay was nothing to do with the Eagles. I’ve been working out five times a week in the gym but I want to get training with the squad.”

“It’s a good club and Mark has got a lot of expectations for me. I did 60 minutes against Doncaster and enjoyed it.”

Hirst made his senior debut for Halifax and later played for Wakefield Trinity Wildcats.

The signing gives Aston extra cover with Joe Walsh, signed from Huddersfield Giants still in rehab following shoulder surgery.

Jim Collins

EAGLES YOUNG ONES WIN PRAISE

Trying the Eagles' shirt for size: Picture shows Tim Bergin (left) and John Coleman with Mark Aston

Two of Ireland's hottest prospects have joined up with Sheffield Eagles for a trial during the pre-season.
Dublin City Exiles' John Coleman and Laois Panthers star Tim Bergin have spent the past two weeks training with the Eagles first team squad in a bid to secure a permanent switch.
“I was talking to a few other clubs but the Eagles looked like a really good set up. Mark (Aston) is on the ball and really knows his stuff, it looks like a great place to be,” said Tim.                  
“The lads did well for Ireland in the European Cup and I’m keen to see them train with us,” said head coach Aston.
The players, both wingers - are set to start the pre-season friendly against Doncaster, at the Keepmoat Stadium, on Sunday, kick-off 3pm, (17 January) and with the chance of winning a contract from the game the pair will be keen to impress.
“Everyone is here for a reason, everyone can play ball but if you can bring something else like a good attitude and be more than just a rugby player it will help.” said John.
With Danny Mills out injured and Misi Taulapapa still waiting for his UK visa to be approved, the Eagles are short of cover on the wings and  the pair have the opportunity to stake a claim for a contract.
“We spoke to Mark after we arrived and he said play the game and I’ll talk to you afterwards. I think the ball is in our court," said John.  “I'm liking it (in Sheffield) I can see myself making a move anyway.”
The duo are hoping a permanent move will improve them as players but also have a positive affect on their international career.
With many of the Irish team plying their trade in England this is a great opportunity for them to join their international team mates to play against top quality opposition every week.
“We didn’t do all the best with Ireland in the European Cup, it just didn’t seem to click for us for some reason. Hopefully with a bit of experience with Sheffield it will do us a lot of good and we should do well next year in the European Cup,” said Tim.
Both players are hopeful of staying with the Eagles and showing the fans they’ve got what it takes to make the grade here. “I just want to show how committed I am and what I can give to the team if I’m offered the chance to sign and hopefully there will be a good relationship going forward,” said Tim.

 By Simon Jones and Peter Gaunt

A trio of Sheffield Eagles' young South Yorkshire players are edging closer
to a first team call up.
Teenagers Eddie Battye, Dan Hawksworth and Mark Renshaw-Smith have all come
through local clubs and the Eagles' Academy.
They are all training with the first team squad and could make a
breakthrough in the 2010 season.
"We've one or two lads who are showing up well in training and coming on
quite well," said coach Mark Aston.
Hooker Kyle Kesik, 20, moved into the first team squad this season after
progressing through the reserve grade and a loan spell at Doncaster.
Prop forward Battye and Hawksworth are products of the Hillsborough Hawks
amateur club with centre or back rower Renshaw-Smith starting in the game at
Hoyland Vikings.
Battye made his first team debut in the final game of the 2008 season and
the three will be hoping to get a call in the new season.
The Eagles has made a priority developing local players and former forward
Richard Goddard is to due to take charge of the reserves next season.
"The reserves are coming on well, the club wants to give young players a
chance and we've got some good ones coming through," added Aston.

James Collins

WAITING ALMOST OVER FOR GED

The waiting is almost over for Ged Corcoran after nearly eight months on the sidelines.

There will be no happier player than the Irish international if he makes  Eagles' team for the  pre-season friendly games.

“I’m raring to go now, if we had a game to play now I’d be there,” said Ged.  “I will play the same game I always do, just get straight in there.”

“As long as I’m in the 17 I don’t care, it’ll be just great not to be sat in the stands.”

The back row forward spent most of last season warming a seat next to coach Mark Aston during games following major knee surgery.

“I don’t want that again, Tubby (Aston) is always digging you in the ribs and saying ‘look at that, why did he do that?’ You get bruised ribs by the end of a game!” said Ged.

Last season Corcoran struggled through ten games with a knee ligament injury aggravated while playing for Ireland in the 2008 World Cup.

The 26-year-old finally had to go under the surgeon’s knife for knee reconstruction work and then began a long slow spell of recovery to build up his strength again.

“It’s going really good, I was in rehab for six months but I’ve been back training with the lads for about two months now,” he said.

The loss of Corcorans battling, driving style of ball carrying was a major blow to the Eagles last season.

It prompted Aston to bring in the experienced Peter Green from Doncaster and saw ex-Widnes forward Sam Barlow claim a regular starting spot.

Corcoran knows the big test will come in the Northern Rail Cup games when he hopes to cement his place back in the 17.

“Just to get back playing and being ‘Mr Consistent’ and taking some of the workload for the team, that’s the target,” he said.

“I want to give back to the club what they have given me. I was out for six months with injury and the club and the supporters were great, I want to pay the club back on the field.”

He added: “We’ve got a some great games in the Rail Cup, York are the dark horse, they will be a force in the Second Division next season and then Halifax and Featherstone are top teams in our division.”

The Eagles start their season with a friendly at Doncaster on Sunday 17 January followed by the visit of Super League side Hull FC on Sunday 24 January to Don Valley. The Northern Rail Cup games start with the visit of Halifax to Don Valley on Sunday 31 January.

James Collins

Kyle Kesik is set to get his wish to take the hooker’s shirt for the Eagles in the friendly at Doncaster, where he was on loan last season.

A virus has put experienced rival Craig Cook’s preparation back and gives Kesik a chance to make his first team debut and stake a claim for the new season.

Coach Mark Aston said:  “Kyle is busting a gut to play because it’s against a club he spent time on loan with last year.”

“Young Kyle wants it and has been training well. Craig has a bit of an injury and has been struggling with a virus so he’s probably not going to be ready for Doncaster.”

“The virus has put Craig back and he still has a significant amount of running to do before I can even think about selecting him.”

The Eagles play their first pre-season friendly against Doncaster at the Keepmoat Stadium on Sunday (17 January).

Cook’s move to the Eagles from Doncaster mid-season opened up the chance for Kesik to go on loan to the Keepmoat last year.

The 20-year-old had an impressive seven-game spell which earned him promotion to the Eagles first team squad for 2010.

That set up a three-way tussle for the hooker’s shirt with Kesik challenging Cook and utility player Matty Brooks.

“If Craig isn’t ready I’m well covered because I can turn to Kyle or Matty and I’m sure they will do themselves proud because they have both had a strong pre-season,” said Aston.

Cook, 26, now faces a battle to be fit for the Eagles second pre-season friendly when Hull FC come to Don Valley Stadium, on Sunday 24 January.

The hooker is desperate to play against the black and whites having started in the professional game at Hull FC and captained their reserve team.

James Collins

Half-back Brendon Lindsay is used to giving the orders on the field, now he’s running the club’s office.

The match day number six shirt is back in the kitbag as the Australian takes a weekday job as general manager.

Now it’s at a desk and on the computer where Lindsay is planning his next move.

He is running much of the day-to-day operation of the Eagles and working closely with head coach and chief executive Mark Aston.

“Mark thought it might fit what I was looking for and I’m excited to move onto something new and challenging,” said Lindsay.

“It involves pretty much everything in running the club. Game preparation, dealing with sponsors and any sort of event, whatever needs to be done.”

Lindsay joined the Eagles at the start of the 2006 season from Queensland Cup side Ipswich Jets. He’s played more than 100 games for the Eagles and was named at stand-off  in the Co-operative Championship All Stars team for 2009.

The 32-year-old made his debut for Scotland in the European Cup last year and has no plans to stop playing but admits he is looking to the future.

The “office job” came when Simon Proctor left the Eagles at the end of last year to join a Sheffield company.

“It’s a move that I need to make, I’m not getting any younger and I have to look to after football,” said Lindsay. “Any sort of experience is great and hopefully I can do a good job.”

“It’s a great opportunity while I’m still playing to get as much experience as I can about running a club, whether it be from the admin side or coaching and see what suits me.”

“I’m not going to stay in the UK forever but hopefully I’ll be playing for a few more years.”

One of Lindsay’s first challenges is selling the Eagles season tickets and promoting an evening with boxing legend Henry Cooper the club is running at the Platinum Suite at Sheffield United’s Bramall Lane ground on Thursday 25 February

At home games, when Lindsay is busy on the field, Simon Proctor will return to co-ordinate the Eagles’ match-day team.

Lindsay added:  “Simon did a great job and has left me lots of advice and it’s good that he’s going to be running match days, particularly after we move to play at Bramall Lane.”

James Collins

   Prize      Description                 Winner’s Name   Ticket No  

     1         Holiday to Spain          J Wheelhouse          8098   

     2         Flat Screen TV            Dave Booth            2209

     3         Argos Vouchers           Marva Lee-Tom       4450   

     4         Electric Wok               Cas Kontou             8551   

     5         Bottle of Jack Daniels   Susan Borrill            5156

     6         Bottle of Whiskey        Ashley Noble           8813

     7         Eagles Shirt                C Little                  8821

     8         Eagles V.P Tickets       M Richards             4049

     9         Eagles Shirt                Michael Carnell       6515   

    10        Case of Coors Beer     Tony Taylor          8296

    11         Man’s Watch               J Copeland           4650   

    12         Box of Celebration’s     M McGowan          4034   

    13         Signed Eagles Ball       A May                  5606   

    14         Rugby Print                Janet Gardner       5549   

    15         Rugby Print                John Burton          4711

    16         Bottle of Wine            P Bull                  5234

    17         Box of Chocolates      Kate Peat             8177

    18          Xmas Crackers          Vicki Proctor         4806

    19         Bottle of Wine           Mick Savage          3261   

    20         Bottle of Wine           Steve Dickinson      7667

    21         Bottle of Wine           Debbie                  4556

    22         Bubble Bath               R Fairclough          4107

    23         Box of Biscuits            Steven Penn        6514             

  Thanks to all that donated prizes & all that bought tickets    

Sheffield Eagles hooker Kyle Kesik has been given the number 14 following his promotion from the reserves to Sheffield Eagles’ first team squad.

Kesik made the breakthrough following a loan spell at Doncaster last season which ended with the 20-year-old as team captain.

Three young South Yorkshire players - Eddie Batty (36), Mark Renshaw-Smith (37) and Dan Hawksworth (38) - are also given squad numbers

Coach Mark Aston said: “Kyle showed his potential at Doncaster in difficult circumstances, he’ll be challenging Craig Cook at hooker next season.

“Our priority is to develop local players, Eddie, Mark and Dan have made big progress and have great attitude and have earned their places in the squad.”�

New signings winger Misi Taulapapa, from Cronulla Sharks will wear 24, with former Workington centre Jason Mossop 25.

The number 4 shirt is vacant indicating that Aston hopes either Mike Roby will agree a new deal or he can bring in a back.

Aston also revealed that some players whom fans might have expected to have been given numbers in the first 13 on last season’s performances opted to keep their existing numbers.

“Ryan Hepworth could have been in the top 13 with his performances last year but he wants to be 22 – that’s his favourite number,” said Aston.

“Tangi Ropati you would expect at 4 but he wants to keep 23 because that’s what he had last year.”�

SHEFFIELD EAGLES SQUAD 2010

1 Jonny Woodcock; 2 Danny Mills, 3 Menzie Yere, 5 Ashley Thackeray, 6 Brendon Lindsay, 7 Aaron Groom, 8 Jack Howieson, 9 Craig Cook, 10 Mitchell Stringer, 11 Alex Szostak, 12 Ged Corcoran, 13 Peter Green, 14 Kyle Kesik, 15 Sam Barlow, 16 Trevor Exton, 17 Alex Rowe, 18 Michael Haley, 19 Joe Walsh, 20 Matty Brooks, 21 Dane McDonald, 22 Ryan Hepworth, 23Tangi Ropati, 24 Misi Taulapapa,
25 Jason Mossop, 36 Eddie Batty, 37 Mark Renshaw-Smith, 38 Dan Hawksworth.

James Collins

Winger Danny Mills’ battle to start the new league season has suffered another blow as he faces a second operation in a month.

Mills will have hernia repair surgery soon after Christmas, two weeks ago he had a hand reconstruction operation.

The 27-year-old is ruled out of the Northern Rail Cup group games and now faces a battle to be fit for the Championship kick-off in late February.

Coach Mark Aston said: "Danny saw a specialist in St Helens on Monday and he has a hernia that needs repairing and after Christmas he will have the operation.

“Hopefully his recovery will fit in with his rehab following the hand operation."

Aston added: “You have to feel for Danny, he was down about his hand now this, but by the time all this is over he will be ready to go. Danny needs the op so let’s get it done.”

The loss of Mills, who scored 10 tries in 14 games, reduces Aston’s early season options on the wings.

Ashley Thackeray is the only outside back in training with new signing Samoan international Misi Taulapapa still in Australia waiting for his UK visa. He plans to use centre Jason Mossop, signed from Workington, as cover.

It means there will be extra interest in two Irish backs who are joining the Eagles on trial after Christmas.

Irish Elite League players John Coleman, from the Dublin City Exiles and Tim Bergin, from Laois Panthers, both played for their country in the recent European Cup.

“The two lads did well for Ireland in the Euro Cup and I’m keen to see them train with us and the plan is to give them a run in the friendly at Doncaster on 17 January,” said Aston.

“Danny’s injury is a setback but it’s part of the game, we want to get him fit and back. But we’ve got Ashley (Thackeray) and Jason (Mossop) looking good in training and Misi (Taulapapa) should get his UK visa in three or four weeks.”

James Collins

Jack Howieson is hoping that some of rugby league’s biggest names will be playing when his testimonial year kicks-off with a game against Hull FC.

The Super League side are expected to bring many of their high-profile signings including Sean Long, and Australians Mark O’Meley and Craig Fitzgibbon, for the pre-season friendly at Don Valley Stadium on Sunday 24 January.

“It’s great Sheffield Eagles have given me the game against Hull FC as my testimonial game, it’ll be a great day,” said Howieson.

“I know Hull will be bringing a strong team and I’m hoping that Sean Long will be in the squad along with the lads signed from Sydney Roosters.

“Hopefully Richard Agar will think that they need as much match practice as possible."

Scottish international Howieson, now 28, started in the game at Home Counties amateurs Hemel Stags. He signed for the Eagles when still a student at Sheffield Hallam University in 2001 and played his first game against Doncaster that season.

He is the first university player from the city to have been granted a testimonial.

Howieson was appointed club captain in 2005 and after a break the following season resumed the role in 2007.

Eagles' coach Mark Aston said: “Jack has really earned his testimonial, he’s a massively popular player with the fans and I’m sure they will support the events he’s got planned.”

“Jack has been a great signing for the club. He came as a big, raw student and has developed into one of the most effective props in our competition.”

“It’s a great story, he came to Sheffield Hallam and he was a typical student when he arrived at the club, he liked a drink and didn’t always eat the right things.”

“Jack worked hard and kicked on and has cemented his place in this club and within rugby league.

“We made him club captain when he was only 23 because he shows leadership and sets a great example as a committed player.”

Howieson has a testimonial committee of his wife Emma, Richard Pepper and Keith Thompson.

Jack is preparing a testimonial brochure which will chart his career and would welcome advertisers or sponsors. Following the Hull FC game a series of events are planned including a boxing match featuring Eagles’ players past and present.

Jack now runs Playball exercise courses for pre-school and junior school children in Sheffield.

Jack can be contacted at  playballyorkshire@googlemail.co

Jim Collins

Supporters are being offered a great deal on season tickets for the 2010 with prices cut by 50 per cent.

And you have the chance to join the new Eagles 300 Club and enjoy and exclusive package of benefits when you watch games at Bramall Lane.

A standard adult season ticket is on offer at only £70, half the £140 charged last season. The concession and child prices are also been slashed to £50 and £30.

But if you want share a �special match-day experience, the club has opened the doors to the new Eagles 300 Club.

At Bramall Lane as a 300 Club member you will have exclusive access to the Platinum Suite lounge bar before the games and at half-time. Members will share a match preview by an Eagles’ personality before taking their comfortable padded seat in the main stand. A half-time it’s back to the lounge for tea and coffee.

It all comes as part of special deal for 2010, at prices that are around half the old Vice-President season ticket.

An adult Eagles 300 Club pass costs £150 (2009 vice-president ticket £290), concessions £100 (£290) and child £60 (£140). The club is restricted to 300 members, so don’t delay a decision.

The Eagles will play the Northern Rail Cup games at Don Valley Stadium but hope to play most of their home Championship games at Sheffield United’s ground.

The new tickets cover the Eagles’ home games in the Co-operative Championship, Northern Rail Cup group stages and the third round of the Challenge Cup.

“With the move to play many of our home league games at Bramall Lane we’re offering great rugby league at a great venue at an amazing price,” said coach Mark Aston.

“You have the chance to become a member of the new Eagles 300 Club which offers a lots of ‘extras’ for little more than a season ticket cost last season.”

“We believe the move to play at Bramall Lane will bring back many of the old Eagles supporters and bring in new fans.”

“The fixtures for 2010 have not been confirmed yet but we hope to play most, if not all the Championship games at Bramall Lane.”

“The team finished third in the Co-operative Championship and we’re going all out to do even better in 2010.”

For more information on Eagles season tickets contact the club on 0114 2610326 or at info@sheffieldeagles.com

Jim Collins

The club’s general manager, Simon Proctor, is to leave the Eagles at the end of the year.

Simon is to take over as business development manager, at MAG Shoe Services, Neepsend, Sheffield, who supply specialist shoes to the NHS.

He has played a key role in the commercial development of the Eagles following promotion to the Co-operative Championship.

He has also been heavily involved in planning the move to play home games at Sheffield United’s Bramall Lane ground next year.

A fan of the Eagles since the club was launched in 1984, Simon said: “I came to the second game at Owlerton and watched quite a few games that first season and have been a supporter every since. I became a sponsor back in the Super League in the late 1980s.”

“I’ve seen the club grow, hit difficult times and grow again. It has been an experience."

"I’ve been commercial manager for two and half years and enjoyed it immensely, very eye opening and I’ve been pleased with some of the things the club has achieved in that time.”

He added: “I’ll always be an Eagles’ supporter. The move to play home games at Sheffield United is a great opportunity for the club. I hope that Sheffield Eagles can kick on and there’ll hopefully be more supporters who will come to Bramall Lane to watch them.”

Eagles’ coach Mark Aston said: “Simon is a really hard worker and has been great for the club and we will miss him. Simon will remain part of this club and will be around to offer guidance to the new person.”

Aston added: “We will be realigning the position and will bring in someone as an administrator.”

“It’s an opportunity for someone who is an administrator who enjoys sport. They will be working very closely with me and liaising with the Rugby Football League.”

“The new person will be focused on administration and the running of the club.”

Jim Collins

Eagles players and officials have put the case for keeping the rugby league Challenge Cup final on free-to-air television to the Government ministers.

The Eagles want the showpiece game, which is featured on BBC, to stay as a protected event.

“When the Rugby Football League heard we were meeting the Sports Minister James Purnell they asked us to speak to him,” said coach Mark Aston.

“We put the case for keeping the final where as many people as possible can see it, it’s an historic occasion in the British sporting calendar and we want as many people as possible to share it.”

The Eagles’ players and club director Chris Noble met the sports minister and Foreign Secretary Miliband at a Labour Party annual dinner in Stalybridge. Mr Miliband was presented with an Eagles’ rugby ball by Aston. Mr Purnell is the MP for Stalybridge and Hyde.

An independent panel chaired by former FA chief executive David Davies has recommended that the Government take the Challenge Cup final off the protected list of so-called “sporting crown jewels”.

The RFL has expressed surprise at the decision over the final which has been screened on free-to-air TV since 1952.

But the audience has been falling in recent years with only 1,224,000 viewers for this year’s final in August.

Jim Collins

Eagles’ put their case (left to right): Player Brendon Lindsay, director Chris Noble, Foreign Secretary David Miliband, Sports Minister James Purnell and Eagles' coach Mark Aston.

Fans have a chance to see what life will be like watching the Eagles at Bramall Lane ... and you can enjoy a flutter at the same time.

You can meet the 2010 squad at the club’s Christmas Party and race night in the Marston Suite at Sheffield United’s ground.

The room on the family stand side has a giant window which offers a panoramic view of the pitch, where the Eagles will play most of their home league games from late March.

Club commercial manager Simon Proctor said the original venue was to be the Platinum Suite but that doesn't offer a view of the pitch.

“It’s great that we have switched the venue to the Marston Suite from the Platinum Suite, it’s a top class venue for the event and the fans can see what it will be like watch games at Bramall Lane next season.”

The event, which gives fans the chance to meet the 2010 squad and enjoy a race night, is on Wednesday 9 December. Tickets cost £3.50 and details from Denise Turton at the Eagles on 0114  2610326.

Sunday afternoon will be the regular time to watch the Eagles home games next season.

The club hope a fixed game day and the switch to playing most of their home league games at Sheffield United’s Bramall Lane will bring back fans who drifted away.

“We are going back to a regular Sunday afternoon slot with probably a 3pm kick-off,” said coach Mark Aston.

“That’s good and hopefully some of the fans who said they couldn’t get to games because of working will come back.”

Aston added: “Over the past few years we had Friday night games and they worked very well corporately for us.”

“Last season we seemed to play most of our home games on a Thursday because of Sky choosing to screen them or things happening at Don Valley Stadium.”

“We also hope some of the fans who watched when we were in the Super League will give us a try again, they won’t be disappointed."

The Co-operative Championship fixtures have been delayed because of Gateshead Thunder’s financial problems that have seen Leigh Centurions reinstated in rugby league’s second tier after relegation.

The Eagles will play their pre-season friendly against Hull FC (Sunday 24 January) and the Rail Cup group games at Don Valley but are confident that the league season will kick-off at Bramall Lane.

Aston said: “The first games at Bramall Lane will probably be the start of the league season, in March.”

James Collins

Back row forward Joe Walsh, who had a successful loan spell at the Eagles last season, has signed for 2010.

Walsh, 22, makes the move after a season at Huddersfield Giants where his progress was hit by injury.

“Joe’s the type of player we had been looking for, he had a good spell with us last season,” said coach Mark Aston.

“We were disappointed when he had to go back to Huddersfield but he needed operations on his shoulders and that’s been done now and he’s ready to go.”

“He’s a big forward who has a lot to offer and he has the potential to play at a higher level.”�

Walsh can play second row or loose forward. He started in the Leeds Academy before moving to Bradford Bulls and Harlequins and a loan spell at Halifax before joining Huddersfield. In an impressive four game spell at the Eagles early last season he scored two tries.

His signings have not closed the door on Aston’s plans for his pack with Joe Hirst, who spent the final games of last season on loan, and Tommy Trayler as options.

Hirst has been released by Featherstone Rovers and the tall back rower still interests Aston.

Trayler has played nearly 50 games for the Eagles but last season was disrupted by injury.

Aston said: “Joe could have been signed a couple of weeks ago but dithered around but we still talking.”

James Collins

MISI IS A DONE DEAL

Samoan international winger Misi Taulapapa has signed for the Eagles and will be joining the squad soon.

“It is signed, sealed and delivered, we are just waiting for his UK visa to be confirmed and then he’s on his way,” said coach Mark Aston.

“Misi has played at the highest level in Australian rugby league. I’m highly delighted about his signing, the kid has played 30 odd NRL games and he scores tries.”

“He’s a tough, aggressive player who does the little things that Australian wingers do, hangs the touchline and scores tries in tight spaces. He can play fullback and defensively he’s also very strong.”

“The fans are really going to like the way this lad plays”

The 27-year-old joins the Eagles for Cronulla Sharks. Taulapapa looks set to form an all Samoan partnership in the backs with centre Tangi Ropati.

Aston added: “Tangi and Misi were in the Samona squad for the World Cup and the Pacific Nations. If they can get an understanding it will give us some real options in games.”

“We were looking for someone who can play wing, centre and fullback and Misi can.” “With Tangi and Ashley Thackeray also able to play at fullback we’ve got real options in the backs.”

James Collins

Student rugby league’s player-of-the-year in 2009, Jason Mossop, is being tipped to make a big impact on the Co-operative Championship after joining the Eagles.

The centre combined his studies at Leeds Met University with playing for Second Division Workington Town last season.

He joins the Eagles with the blessing of Town’s chairman Dave Bowden who forecasts Mossop will "thrive in the Championship".

Bowden added: “He’s doing the right thing, and I’m sure a season at Sheffield will develop his game, and we will see what happens after that. Jason has a good chance of doing well in the higher league. It’s a good move for him.”

Mossop, 24 has also had a spell at Super League club Castleford. He was part of Leeds Met side that dominated the student league, played for GB against Serbia and France and was named student player of the year.

He has recently started a course at Sheffield Hallam University.

Mossop will face tough competition at centre from the Eagles’ international pairing of Samoan Tangi Ropati and Papua New Guinean Menzie Yere.

Eagles’ coach Mark Aston said: “Jason’s a big strong lad who wants to play at the highest level. He’ll have competition for a place at centre but he’s ready for that.

James Collins

It’s green for go when the Northern Rail Cup kicks-off  next season - and the Eagles have made it a first class priority for early wins.

In the past the Eagles have had a poor record in the competition in which the group stages are played before the Co-operative Championship kicks off.

Coach Mark Aston has told the squad when they reported for pre-season training that Rail Cup success is a priority to get into a winning habit early.

Last season stuttering form in the competition was carried into the first half of the league campaign with the Eagles relying on losing bonus points to keep in touch.

“The aim is to hit the ground running and make a decent fist of the Northern Rail Cup in the early part of the season,” said Aston.

“I was disappointed in the way we started the last Championship season when we only won two out of the first eight and that put us under a bit of pressure, if we had won four of those games we would have won the league.”

The Eagles went out of the Rail Cup last season after losing two of their four group games and their only wins were over Championship 2 teams.

The Cup also has the added incentive that the winners earn the right to apply for a Super League franchise in 2012.

“At the coaches meeting we talked about what we want in the pre-season and a good Rail Cup is a priority,” said Aston.

James Collins

Sheffield Eagles RLFC

 CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

Following the success of last year’s event we have arranged the clubs Christmas Celebration for Wednesday 9^th December 2009. This will incorporate a ‘Meet the New 2010 Squad’ and a ‘Race Night’.

This event will again be held at the Platinum Suite, Sheffield United FC, Bramall Lane. Doors will open at 7.00pm for a 7.30pm start.

Tickets for pie & peas are £3.50 each. Please fill the slip below and return to Sheffield Eagles by 1^st December 2009.

We also have some horses, jockeys & trainers at a cost of £3.00 each, which we need to sell for our race night programme.

If you know of a company or individual who would like to sponsor a race, please contact Denise Turton at the club, as soon as possible on telephone no. 0114 2610326; a race costs £20 to sponsor.

Thank you for your continued support.

Yours sincerely

Sheffield Eagles RLFC

Name………………………………………….. ………...           Contact No……………………………………

Address……………………………………………………………………………………………………

.......................................... ……………………………………………………………

Email Address….........................……………………………..

I will / will not be able to attend on 9^th December (delete where necessary).

Please reserve me ……… tickets at £3.50 each 

Cheques made payable to: Sheffield Regional Rugby League Development Trust

Return to: Sheffield Eagles RLFC, Don Valley Stadium, Worksop Road, SHEFFIELD, S9 3TL

Doncaster Dons v Sheffield Eagles.

Keepmoat Stadium

Sunday 17th January 2010      K.O. 3.00 pm

Ticket prices:     £8.00 Adults

                     £4.00 OAP

                           £1.00 Children

Quick thinking by playmaker Brendon Lindsay set Scotland on the way to a historic 22-10 win over Lebanon.

The victory takes the Bravehearts to the final of the European Cup final where they will face Wales who beat Ireland 42-12. It’s Scotland’s first every appearance in the major rugby league final.

Scotland were trailing Lebanon 4-0 with ten minutes to go to half-time and had two players in the sin bin when Lindsay grabbed his first international try.

Eagles’ team-mate Alex Szostak had gone for a chip kick and pushed the ball back for stand-off Lindsay to nip in to collect and touchdown. Centre Mick Nanyn kicked the conversion and added a penalty.

Josh Mansour  had given the Cedars the lead with a try as the teams struggled to control the ball in driving rain that left pools of surface water on the pitch in a game shown live on Sky Sports from Anniesland, Glasgow.

Winger James Nixon collected a charge down to race in for a try with Nanyn adding the goal for the Scots to lead 14-4 at half-time.

After the restart Nanyn increased the lead with a penalty as the Scots pressure forced the Lebanon into a series of errors.

Prop Mitch Stringer, the third Eagles player in Scotland’s line-up, started the move that produced the killer try with a 40-metre break which ended with Kevin Henderson touching down a chip kick. Nanyn added the goal, his fifth success from five kicks.

Second rower Szostak had a big game for the Scots battling through 78 minutes before being substituted- a massive effort in difficult conditions.

Lebanon had the consolation of a late try from Nick Kassis converted by George Ndeira.

Former Eagles forward Jordan James skippered Wales to a great fight back as they scored eight tries after trailing 12-0 in the first 30 minutes to Ireland in the other group decider game.

The rugblyleague.com European Cup final will be live on Sky Sports from the Brewery Field Bridgend next Sunday (8 November).The game is live on Sky Sports, kick-off 4pm.

Scorers: Scotland : Tries Lindsay (29 ) Nixon (36), K Henderson (57). Goals: Nanyn 5/5

Lebanon : Tries: Kassis (73). Goals: Ndeira (1/2)

SCOTLAND: Jamie Benn; Jon Steel, Kevin Henderson, Mick Nanyn, James Nixon; Brendan Lindsay, Gareth Moore, Mitch Stringer, Andrew Henderson, Neil Lowe, Alex Szostak, Richard Fletcher, Lee Paterson. Subs: John Duffy, Iain Morrison, Paddy Coupar, John Cox.

LEBANON: Adnan Saleh; Joshua Mansour, Daniel Chiha, Reece Robinson, Travis Robinson; Liam Ayoub, George Ndiera; Khaled Deeb, Jamie Clark, John Koborsi, Ahmad Ellaz, Steve Azzi, Chris Salem.

Subs (all used): Allen Soultan, Nick Kassis,Robin Hachache, Wael Harb. 

MENZIE DOUBLE AS PNG WIN PACIFIC CUP 

Eagless centre Menzie Yere scored two tries as Papua New Guinea thrashed the Cook Islands 42-14 to win the Pacific Cook.

PNG now qualify for rugby league’s 2010 Four Nations when they will face Australia, New Zealand and England. The tournament will be played in the Southern Hemisphere.

The Kumuls led 20-10 at half-time with fullback David Mead scoring two of their four tries. Yere, one of the players of the tournament - made the win safe with two tries in the with second-half with Mean completing his hat-trick.

The victory, before an ecstatic home crowd in Port Moresby - establishes the Kumuls as the rising force in world rugby league.

Captain John Wilshere, who plays for Salford Reds, said: “Rugby league is our national sport, we love it, and next year we're going to be playing in the Four Nations and that’s a massive boost for Papua New Guinea.”�

James Collins

England coach Tony Smith has made two changes to their squad for Saturday's Gillette Four Nations clash with Australia at Wigan's DW Stadium.

In comes Wigan half-back Sam Tomkins, Super League's young player of the year, in place of teenager Richie Myler, while Huddersfield front rower Eorl Crabtree takes the place of club-mate Scott Moore.

In a further change to the XIII that started the 34-12 win over France at Doncaster last Friday, James Roby starts at hooker in place of Moore and skipper Jamie Peacock switches to the second row to accommodate prop James Graham, with Sam Burgess dropping to the bench.

The game is live on BBC TV, kick-off 3pm.

Meanwhile supporters attending the game are being urged to arrive early at DW Stadium, Wigan, on Saturday for England’s massive Gillette Four Nations clash with Australia.

 Due to the ongoing national postal strike, the ticket office at DW Stadium will open at 9.30am on Saturday and all tickets purchased between now and Saturday morning will be available for collection at the ground to ensure fans get to see the action.

TEAMS:

Australia: Slater; B Morris, Inglis, Hodges, Hayne; Lockyer (capt), Thurston; Civoniceva, Smith, Hannant, Watmough, Gallen, Hindmarsh.
Replacements (from): Farah, White, Lewis, Shillington, Waterhouse, Gidley.

England: Briscoe; Briscoe, Smith, Shenton, Hall; McGuire, Tomkins ; Morley, Roby, Graham, Ellis, Peacock (capt), Sinfield.
Replacements: Burgess, Crabtree, Eastmond, Westwood.

James Collins

Don’t forget this weekend Eagles fans have to get behind the Bravehearts as three of the club’s players line up for Scotland against Lebanon in the rugbyleague.com European Cup

The trio of �MacEagles; Brendon Lindsay, Alex Szostak and Mitch Stringer, will be in action in Glasgow.

But if you can’t make the trip, and some Eagles fans are heading north of the border – Sunday’s clash is live on Sky Sports (kick-off 3pm).

James Collins

Sheffield Eagles, responding to media reports of a plan to cut season ticket prices by 50 per cent for the 2010 season, has confirmed that a review of ticketing policy is being conducted.

In a statement the club said: “Sheffield Eagles is constantly looking at ways of improving the deals offered to supporters and a review is being conducted by the board of directors in the light of the proposed move to Bramall Lane.”

“A number of options are under review and at this stage the club cannot publish firm prices or types of ticket deals that will be available. However, we are confident that supporters and sponsors will be pleased and surprised by the deals offered when they are revealed.”

“The move to play our home games at Sheffield United’s Bramall Lane has still to be confirmed by the Rugby Football League, the Football League and Football Association and it would not be appropriate to make any announcement on season ticketing policy at this stage.”

The statement is in response to reports in the media that the club is preparing to cut season ticket prices in half when the move to Bramall Lane is confirmed. That would see a £70 adult season ticket, the equivalent of the pay-at the-gate price of five home games.

It is also reported that a cut-price “premium season ticket” giving a padded armchair-style seat in the executive area at Bramall Lane will be available. Supporters taking this option would have access before games, during half-time and after match to the Premium Suite with its bar facilities.

Season tickets would give fans 10 Co-operative Championship games, 2 Northern Rail Cup group games and the Third Round of the Carnegie Challenge Cup.

The packages could represent the cheapest season ticket deals for professional sport in South Yorkshire.

James Collins

Eagles will face Super League team Hull FC in a pre-season friendly - in Sheffield.

The game is likely to be played on Sunday 24 January but an Eagles spokesman said a venue had not been fixed.

“We have to discuss where the game will be played, no decision has been taken yet,”� he said.

Hull can be expected to include a number of high-profile signings including controversial former Great Britain half-back Sean Long who has joined the black and whites from St Helens.

Coach Mark Aston welcomed the game adding: “I believe Hull will be one of the strongest teams in the Super League.”

“They’ve signed Craig Fitzgibbon, Sean Long and Jordan Turner. I’m delighted that we are going to play them. It will nice for our lads to challenge themselves against a top Super League team before the season starts.”

“It’ll be great for the fans and it’s not often that we get the chance to bring big teams to South Yorkshire.”

The game should provide a cash boost for the Eagles with Hull having massive travelling support and their fans keen to see the new signings in action.

The friendly will be the third time in seven years the Eagles have faced Hull, the previous occasions were in the Challenge Cup including a record 88-0 defeat at the KC Stadium in 2003. Four years later the Eagles lost 44-6 at Hull.

Aston added; “We’re better than that now, it will be good to challenge ourselves although it will be pre-season and we might not yet be firing on all cylinders. It’ll be a good test for us.”

The Eagles plan to play their home games at Sheffield United’s Bramall Lane ground next season but the move still has to be confirmed by the Football and rugby authorities.

Watch the www.sheffieldeagles.com for further details on the game and venue.

James Collins

Eagles have one of the best community programme in rugby league. Now work in taking the game into local schools and the community is paying dividends.

It’s given thousands of young people an experience of the game and now has won the club national recognition.

The Eagles took the Co-operative Championships Best Community Program title at the league’s annual awards ceremony recently.

Head coach Mark Aston says it is justified reward for hard work that doesn’t often make headlines.

“I’m just surprised that it took us so long to win the award, the club has always put a priority on working in the community and has got a great team working out there.”

The Eagles have professional players and coaches going into schools and working with amateur clubs across the region.

Youngsters get coaching from international Mitch Stringer (Scotland), Ged Corcoran (Ireland), Tangi Ropati (Samoa) and young Eagles player Dan Hawksworth.

Leading the drive is Adam Hughes the club’s Community Development Manager who says last year the Eagles ran courses at 97 schools in Sheffield and Barnsley.

“Most of the community work is in schools delivering rugby league coaching,” he said. “With the younger kids in primary schools it’s tag rugby - teaching how to hold the ball and how to pass, the basics of how to play the game.”

“When we get into secondary it’s more full-contact rugby. We teach them how to tackle, obviously progressing from the tag game to taking them through to the full version of the game.”

Adam says the reaction of some of the children to playing rugby can be mixed. He said: “In primary schools the kids do enjoy it because lads and girls doing it together you get a bit more rivalry and you tend to find the girls do a bit better than the boys. It can be a bit of a shock for the boys!”

“When it gets to tackling in secondary school you see a difference in what the kids are good at.”

“The kids who are good at football will be ‘well we can do this easily' but the ones who aren’t so good at other sports who are possibly a bit bigger get a bit of respect from their classmates because they can do things a bit better and are more suited to the game of rugby league.”

Adam joined the Eagles a year ago after graduating in Sports Development with Coaching from Sheffield Hallam University. He plays scrum-half for amateurs Hillsborough Hawks and was in the Eagles’ reserve squad last season.

“I love the job. Being from St Helens, a rugby league town, then going through university doing sport and coaching this was my ideal job,” he says.

The work in schools leads on for some youngsters to playing with local amateur clubs and for some a place on the Eagles Scholarship and Academy schemes.

Adam added: “After schools we have to try and provide an out route into the local clubs. It’s no good giving the kids all this coaching in schools and then the kids not having anywhere to go afterwards.”

“The pathway we try to provide is: Curriculum time coaching; an after-school club based at their school; and then try to offer a route into the amateur clubs.”

“There is difficulty with that because the kids who are interested in schools have been playing football since they were four or five and you have quite a big barrier to break down there.”

“But we are looking at ways of getting more clubs so we can have more rugby league played in Sheffield.”

Amateur clubs are playing a key role in developing the game and giving youngsters a chance to enjoy playing into their teens and beyond.

Adam said: “Hillsborough Hawks is an absolutely massive club. The infrastructure they have at Hillsborough now is one of the best I’ve seen for an amateur club, they have age groups from under eight to the open age side.”

“You have a lot of young people playing amateur rugby league and there is a link and a pathway to the Eagles through the scholarships, the Academy to the Reserve Grade and into the first team.”

“The Sheffield Forgers are developing and we are going to work hard with them.”

“Hoyland Vikings is down to Mitch Stringer who does a massive amount of work with them. We try to support the clubs the best we can.”

“The more clubs we can get in South Yorkshire the better the game will grow.”

James Collins

Italy 0 Scotland 104

SHEFFIELD Eagles trio Brendon Lindsay, Mitchell Stringer and Alex Szostak help Scotland romp to a massive 104-0 win over Italy in the opening rugbyleague.com European Cup game.

Half-back Lindsay and prop Stringer were making their international debuts for the Bravehearts at Padova at the weekend.

Scotland scored nine tries in each half, the first coming when Stringer’s pass sent in Widnes loose forward Lee Paterson after only eight minutes.

Lindsay’s long pass set up the second try for Featherstone winger Jon Steele as Italy were pinned in their final quarter of the pitch for almost all the game.

In a match refereed by Super League's top official Steve Ganson, the fledgling hosts rarely broke into the Scottish quarter although their unyielding efforts were roared on by an enthusiastic crowd of 2,179 at the Stadio Del Plebiscito, Padova.

Leigh centre Mick Nanyn also entered the record books with a 40-point personal haul from two tries and 16 goals.

Both teams gave debuts to six players; Scotland coach Steve McCormack is rebuilding his team as they plan for next season's qualifiers for the Four Nations.

Only eight of his 17 went to the World Cup last year and just Nanyn, Kevin and Andrew Henderson, Ben Fisher, and Paddy Coupar survived from the team that was thrashed by Tonga in Scotland's last game 11 months ago.

 Azzuri coach Tiziano Franchini fielded 10 of the players who had helped them overcome Germany and the Czech Republic to win the European Shield.

With a tremendous crowd still pouring into the Plebiscito, the attendance was twice that of the home team’s European Challenge Cup tie against Newcastle Falcons a week ago - Scotland showed their superiority from the off, scoring at a point a minute once Lee Paterson opened the floodgates after eight minutes, from a suspiciously forward-looking pass from Mitchell Stringer.

Brendan Lindsay’s lovely long cut-out pass sent winger Jon Steele away for the next try after a break by Fisher and three minutes later Kevin Henderson finished a move he had started on the left while Nanyn was kicking goals from the touchlines, much to the delight of an enthusiastic crowd.

When Scotland forced a turnover in Italy’s half, Richard Fletcher strolled in, before young half-back Gareth Moore got a solo try on his debut.

Soon after the restart Kevin Henderson crossed following a scrum for a knock-on, and Nanyn’s magnificent conversion made it 36-0 after just 27 minutes.

Fisher had torn Italy apart and was withdrawn as Scotland used all four substitutes early in the game.

One of them, Edinburgh Eagles’ burly prop John Cox hit the line and spun his way over for a debut try ten minutes after coming on.

Barrow winger Nixon then took centre stage from a Jamie Benn pass and from the kick off full-back Benn himself stood up his Italian counterpart Eduardo Lerna to score, Nanyn making it 54-0 at half-time.

Moments into the second-half, Cox broke and Nixon did superbly to reach over in the tackle, and five minutes later completed his hat-trick with the kind of footwork that has scored him a hatful of tries in winning the Championship this season with Barrow.

Italy had hardly been out of their half with the ball in hand and struggled to clear their lines with a disappointing kicking game.

They continued tackling until the final whistle, a fact appreciated by the crowd, but they had no platform on which to show their ability with ball in hand.

Scotland, who had enjoyed a day out in Venice on Friday, showed creativity and passion worthy of that stunning city to score their 12^th try of the afternoon, Fletcher keeping the ball alive on the last after being held up over the line and Steele scoring on the right; Nanyn finally missing a kick with his attempt from the touchline.

When Lerna dropped the ball in Nanyn’s tackle in the in-goal area, Fletcher got his second try, Nanyn slotting the goal for a 76-0 lead on the hour.

Nanyn plundered his first try on the right but missed the conversion before the first and only suggestion of an Italy score: debutant scrum-half John Grasso snatching up a loose ball and racing clear.

He was tackled 40 metres out, spilled the ball and from the resulting scrum, Fisher raced 60 metres up the other end to add salt in Italy’s wounds.

At 98-0 there was just enough time for Nixon to show great footwork on Matthew Sands and Lerna to score his fourth and bring up the 100 points mark.

The Italians travel to Lebanon next week while the Cedars go to Glasgow on November 1st to complete the group games.

FACTFILE:

Scotland's scorers: Tries- Paterson (8 mins), Steele (11, 54), K Henderson (14, 27), Fletcher (20, 59), Moore (24), Cox (32), Nixon (34, 41, 47, 79), Benn (36, 70), Nanyn (65, 76), Fisher (67). Goals - Nanyn 16/18.

Scotland play Lebanon in their final group game in Glasgow on Sunday1 November.

SCOTLAND: Jamie Benn; Jon Steel, Kevin Henderson, Mick Nanyn, James Nixon;D Brendan Lindsay, Gareth Moore, Mitch Stringer, Ben Fisher, Neil Lowe, Alex Szostak, Richard Fletcher, Lee Paterson. Subs: Paddy Coupar, John Cox, Andrew Henderson, Rob Lunt.

James Collins

Mark Aston, Ian Swire, Aaron Groom at Bramall Lane

Sheffield Eagles play their home games at Sheffield United’s Bramall Lane ground from the start of the 2010 season.

The move is a major boost for the Eagles, its supporters and commercial sponsors and emphasises the club’s determination to bring Super League rugby league back to the city.

The move will mean that fans will be closer to the action and that it will be able to offer a regular Sunday afternoon kick-off time, something that has not been possible in recent years at Don Valley Stadium.

Sheffield Eagles also hopes that its partnership with Sheffield United will see Bramall Lane emerge as a venue for major rugby league games, with major domestic games and the Rugby League World Cup 2013 a target.

At a press conference at Bramall Lane it was confirmed that agreement had been reached for the Eagles to play their home games at Sheffield United's ground. This agreement is conditional on formal approval by the Football Association, The Football League and the Rugby Football League

Eagles club chairman Ian Swire said: “We are delighted to be able to play our home games at Bramall Lane from the start of the 2010 season.”

“Sheffield Eagles have just completed their most successful season since winning the Challenge Cup in 1998 by finishing third in the Co-operative Championship.”

”The ultimate aim for the Eagles has always been a Super League team containing a majority of locally developed players and this remains the club’s target. The move to Bramall Lane is seen as an important stepping stone in this quest.”

“The disappointing aspect of the 2009 season from the club’s perspective has been that attendances at Don Valley Stadium have not increased despite the team’s success.”

“The reasons frequently given for spectators not attending matches at Don Valley are the distance from the stand to the pitch and the irregular kick off times. These problems will be remedied by moving to Bramall Lane and reverting to regular Sunday afternoon kick offs.”�

Mr Swire added: “Sheffield United are keen to increase the usage of Bramall Lane and see the Eagles as a compatible partner. They are also keen to attract the 2013 Rugby League World Cup and other big rugby league games to the city and we intend to assist them to achieve this.”

 “We have always maintained extremely good relationships with both football teams in Sheffield and share their ethos of community activity. This has recently been recognised by the Rugby Football League naming the Eagles as the Community Club of the Year. We look forward to working closely together in the future.”

“The Eagles wish to thank Sheffield International Venues for their support of the club and anticipate continued support for the community activities that are intended to remain based at Don Valley Stadium.”

“Further success on the playing field, the continuing development of the academy and the scholarships and increased support off the field will put the club in an advantageous position to apply for a Super League licence in the near future.”�

Head coach Mark Aston is excited by the prospect of playing home games at Bramall Lane.

He said: “It’s a fantastic facility and I’ve had the privilege to play rugby there. From the minute you walk in the ground it’s a very special place. You are playing on a big stage with great atmosphere, hopefully that will fetch the best out of the team.”

“The pitch is a bit wider than Don Valley which will help the team express itself more - we have players who need a bigger pitch. It will help the players mentally and physically  it should be inspirational.”

Aston added that the move could be a springboard to regain a place in the Super League. He added: “I was walking round Bramall Lane a couple of days ago and I was in awe of it. It’s a place where big games should be played. It would help us tick the boxes if we applied for Super League franchise. The capacity is massive and the facilities available for sponsors and for corporate entertaining are absolutely first class.”

“Bramall Lane can become a great venue for rugby league, look at the KC Stadium in Hull, the DW Stadium in Wigan, they are dual purpose. It’s a chance for the Bramall Lane to be developed as an all-year-round venue.”

“We’ve had 20 years at Don Valley Stadium and it’s a good facility and would still be part of what we want to do but it can’t give us what we need, atmosphere on match days.”

“Bramall Lane is massive but we will get the atmosphere, there’s no running track round the pitch and the fans are close, almost on the pitch. That will hopefully bring fans back to watch Sheffield Eagles.” 

FOOTNOTE: Mark played in the Eagles team that beat the newly crowned Rugby league World Club Champions Widnes 31-6 at Bramall Lane, on 8 October 1989, before a crowd of 8,636.

James Collins

LINDSAY AND STRINGER SET FOR BRAVEHEART DEBUTS

Eagles’ players Brendon Lindsay and Mitch Stringer look set to make their international debuts for Scotland against Italy at the weekend.

The pair with Alex Szostak are in the final squad of 20 which flew out to Italy this week for the opening game in the European Cup.

But Eagles’ captain Jack Howieson has missed out after being named in coach Steve McCormick’s original training squad.

”I’m excited, I’m really looking forward to playing for Scotland,” said Australian born Lindsay who qualified because of a Scottish grandfather.

”It’s good for Mitch and Alex and I’m hoping we all make the team.”

It is a late international call for Lindsay who turned 32 last month. He added: ”The body is feeling good, I’m ready.”�

Lindsay seems certain to be given the key role of stand-off, a position where he has excelled since joining the Eagles on 2006 from Queensland Cup club Ipswich Jets.

”It’s was a bit of a surprise, being selected was more in my mind last year with the World Cup,” said Lindsay.

”Ever since I was in my mid-20s I’ve thought about possibly playing for Scotland. It’s another feather in the cap and the body is still feeling good so I’m looking forward to it."

He added: “No, I have never worn a kilt but I have eaten haggis and loved it. I’ve been to Scotland a couple of times and love the country.”

Barnsley-based Stringer, who has a Scottish mother and grandmother, is one of the most powerful prop forwards playing outside the Super League.

Second row Szostak is celebrating a recall to the squad after missing out on selection for the last year’s World Cup in Australia.

The Scotland squad left the UK on Wednesday with the opening game of the competition in Padova on Saturday.

The rugbyleague.com European Cup will feature six teams Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Serbia, Lebanon and Italy and results will count towards seedings and qualification for the 2013 Rugby League World Cup.

Italian sides have a long history in rugby league with the national team touring Britain in the 1950s.

Italy’s inclusion in the European Cup follows a revival in the game and the side winning the European Shield competition.

James Collins

Eagles coach Mark Aston is to make a comeback, playing touch rugby. Mark will captain a Buccaneers team of ex-rugby league stars in a tournament at Sheffield’s English Institute of Sport. There won’t be the full-on tackles but rugby’s recent greats aim to roll back the years. Stars from both union and league are to take part in a Legends of Rugby touch competition in Sheffield.

Adding a touch of glamour among the muscles will be a women’s match with Britain’s Got Talent star Sophie Mei leading one of the teams.

The Buccaneers will face an England Rugby Union team which will include 2003 World Cup winner Neil Back, dual code international Iestyn Harris will lead a Wales side and Kiwi star Robbie Paul an All Golds. ”It’s a great concept and fun providing great entertainment for the fans,” said Aston. ”But I can’t guarantee that some of the lads won’t forget it’s touch rugby and put in the odd tackle!”

Sophie Mai, whose bellydancing took her to the semi-finals of TV’s Britain’s Got Talent, played rugby while a pupil at King Edwards school in Sheffield. "We’ll have lots of successful women and some top women rugby players from across the region, it’ll be great to have women’s spin on the event,” she said.

Aston hopes to include former Great Britain and Eagles’ star Daryl Powell and possibly a return to Sheffield of Leeds Rhinos Keith Senior. Managing the Buccaneers’ squad will be the club’s founder and now Leeds Rugby chief executive Gary Hetherington. He said: ”Keith could play - if selected. I’m sure Keith could be really keen but touch requires special skills and Keith won’t be able to go blasting through leaving everybody in his wake. But he certainly comes into the age category.” Former Leeds and Wigan star Barry McDermott and Brendon Lindsay, who played touch for Australia, are others who could appear for the Buccaneers.

England Rugby Union’s team will include Leeds Carnegie head coach Back and Bentley with former national coach Richard Greenwood in charge. The indoor competition will be staged at Sheffield’s English Institute of Sport on Thursday December 17 and will be screened on Sky Sports. The touch rugby competition will have 12-minute games involving six players on each team with three substitutes.

The Legends tournament will support the Wooden Spoon charity through which the rugby world helps disadvantaged children.

Keeping order is a team of officials led by former Karl Fitzpatrick a top referee at league and union.

A touch rugby competition for teams from Sheffield schools will be run during the event.

Tickets for the evening go on immediate sale, details and booking from www.sheffieldcityhall.co.uk

More information on the event from www.legendsofrugby.com

James Collins

Eagles have given Danny Mills the chance to 'turn the clock back' with a new deal that turns his loan deal into a permanent move.

Mills has been given a new two-year contract, 12 months after he walked away to join rivals Widnes Vikings.

That move didn’t work out and Mills was back at Don Valley mid-season on loan � scoring 10 tries in 14 games.

Coach Mark Aston believes Mills will be out to show the form that made him a target for rival clubs at the end of the 2008 season.

”When he left a year ago he was probably one of the best wingers in this competition, � he was in the competition’s All-Star team,” said Aston. “He went to Widnes and had a few bumps and bruises and had his confidence knocked.”

”Danny lost a bit of belief but having talked to him he’s pretty comfortable that he will be red hot next year. He’s tried another club but he’s really happy to be back at Sheffield Eagles.”

Mills, 26, was the Eagles top try scorer in the 2008 season and that prompted Widnes to offer him a full-time contract.

The move turned into a nightmare with an early season change of coach seeing Mills out in the cold. His loan move to the Eagles in July saw him return to form and try-scoring.

Aston added: “Danny doesn’t make a lot of mistakes, he’s quick, he’s great out of dummy half and he can score tries. He’s got better and is maturing now.”

”He will always score tries, he can score really exciting tries or just get the ones that need finishing, he’s a cracking winger.”

”I’ve got a lot of respect for the lad and I’m highly delighted that he’s signed a new two-year contract and I think we’ll see a lot from him next season.”

James Collins

Menzie Yere with the Player of the Year and Champagne Moment Awards  

Photo by Robert Speed

        Ryan Hepworth,                    Brendon Lindsay,            Menzie Yere,                Mitch Stringer

  Website Readers Award           Supporters Player Award     Player of the Year       Players' Player Award

     Coaches Award                                                        Champagne Moment

Photo by Robert Speed

    Waisale Sovatabua,          Ryan Hepworth,        Brendon Lindsay,     Menzie Yere,         Mitch Stringer,  Mark Aston

Photo by Robert Speed

Centre Menzie Yere made it a great first season in British rugby league by being named Sheffield Eagles’ Player of the Year.

The Papua New Guinea international has been christened the “hit-man” by Eagles coach Mark Aston because of his aggressive tackling and power runs.

”Menzie settled in well and had a great season,” said Aston. “He’s strong and tough and scored some important tries.”

Yere was the Eagles’ top try scorer last season with 14 touchdowns. He won a place in the Co-operative Championship All-Star teams and was nominated for Championship Player of the Year.

His bone-crunching tackle during the win over Batley Bulldogs also won Yere the season’s Champagne Moment award.

Yere was presented with his awards at the Eagles’ annual dinner at the Platinum Suite, Bramall Lane last night.

Ryan Hepworth’s breakthrough as one of the top prop forwards in the Championship was recognised by a double, taking the Coaches’ Award and Website Readers’ Award.

Aston said: “Ryan has made massive progress, he’s been strong going forward and great in defence. He really deserves his awards and we’re looking for a big season from him in 2010."

Another front rower, Mitch Stringer, was rewarded for his consistent performances with the Players’ Player title.

Half-back Brendon Lindsay, who, with Stringer was called up for the Scotland European Cup squad this week, was named Supporters’ Player of the Year.

Looking back at the year Aston paid tribute to the work of his assistant coaches Mick Cook and Waisale Sovatabua and all the backroom staff.

The team had achieved its highest finish in the Championship and the next season would bring new challenges.

”Last season we started with two wins and two defeats in the Rail Cup but it will be different next year, we will be going out to win something from day one,” said Aston.

”We have been competing in the last season, now we are ready to start winning things.”

The Reserves squad were also recognised with their own awards. Rhys Williams took the Shooting Star, Jamie Cottle, Players’ Player and Reserves’ Player of the Year was awarded to Richard Humphries.

There were special presentations to Ray Green who is leaving the Eagles staff to join Doncaster and from the players to director Chris Noble.

Sheffield Eagles Player Awards 2009: Player of the Year - Menzie Yere; Coaches' Award - Ryan Hepworth; Players’ Player - Mitch Stringer; Supporters’ Player of the Year -Brendon Lindsay; Website Readers’ Award - Ryan Hepworth; Champagne Moment - Menzie Yere.

Reserve Squad Awards: Player of the Year - Richard Humphries; Players’ Player -  Jame Cottle; Shooting Star - Rhys Williams

James Collins The Star

YOUR GUIDE TO SUNDAY’S CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS:

Co-operative Championship Grand Final

Barrow Raiders v Halifax RLFC (ko 5.30pm)

Barrow Raiders' coach Dave Clark says his squad are “100 per cent” fit ahead of Sunday’s Co-operative Championship Grand Final showdown at The Halliwell Jones Stadium, Warrington.

Clark, who on Tuesday was named Co-operative Championship Coach of the Year, said: ”It’s the highlight of the year and we’ve got the opportunity to come away with some silverware. We deserve to be where we are.”�

Clark’s side emerged comfortable winners against Halifax a fortnight ago but he believes that result will have little bearing on Sunday’s match.

He said: “This is going to be a one-off game and Halifax will really be up for it. They’ll want to put things right from when we last played them.”

”On top of that, neither side has to worry about a game the following week so I think you’ll see a pretty intense game with people really putting their bodies on the line.”

Halifax prop Matt James has already been ruled out of the fixture while team-mates Jon Goddard and Dominic Maloney are facing late fitness tests.

Coach Matt Calland said: ”We started the season so well but we hit a bad patch recently so it’s nice to see us in this game.”

”Barrow are a really good side. They’ve brought in (Jamie) Rooney and those four lads from Oldham and they’re very well organised.”

”I’m sure it will be a cracking game of rugby league.”�

Co-operative Championship One Play-Off Final
Keighley Cougars v Oldham (ko 3.0pm)

”It’s not whether we can contain them, it’s whether they can contain us.” That’s the rallying call from Oldham’s coach Tony Benson as his side prepare for a promotion showdown with Keighley Cougars in the Co-operative Championship One Grand Final.

Benson said: “This game means a lot of things to a lot of different people associated with the club. For us as a team it would be a fitting reward for our efforts over recent weeks.”

”I could not be more proud of this set of lads. People will never know how difficult it’s been for them. It’s hard enough to play Rugby League in the first place, never mind with all the distractions they’ve had to cope with and just shrug off.”�

Benson says he has “probably eight” players to check the fitness of and that “any of them could be either in or out” come Sunday afternoon.

He added: “Keighley are a pretty quick side. They’ve got a strong middle and they’re just a well-constructed squad. They can score through the middle or on the edges.”

”They’re very hard to contain but I think our defence has improved enough that we can. The question is can they contain us?”�

Keighley will be without Daley Williams (suspension) and James Feather (broken cheekbone) but are otherwise at full strength.

Cougars’  coach Barry Eaton said: “We’re 80 minutes away from a big challenge of going up a division and pitting our wits against big clubs like Widnes, Featherstone, Barrow and Halifax.”

”It would be a big challenge if we were to win but the other side of the coin is that we’re 80 minutes away from staying where we are.”

”This is the day we’ve been building for since I’ve been at the club. There are no guarantees in rugby though. This is the opportunity we’ve been building for but we’re now just hoping we can take that opportunity.”

”Oldham have been there over the last couple of years so it’s certainly not cut and dried.”�

Eaton added: “They’re a real, real threat. The game is evenly poised and both clubs have a 50/50 chance of securing promotion. We’ve had two tough games against them in the league and they’ve had some adversity but they seem a really close bunch at this moment in time.�

Co-operative Rugby League Conference National Grand Final

Bramley Buffaloes v Huddersfield Underbank Rangers (ko 12.30pm)

There could not be more of a contrast between the two sides contesting the Co-Operative Conference National crown, in the second West Yorkshire derby in three seasons.

League Leaders Bramley Buffaloes, charged up by RLCN Coach of the Year Mark Butterill, are in their fifth consecutive Grand Final and will be desperately looking to pick up the title having missed out to Celtic Crusaders and Featherstone Lions in the past two seasons.

Opposing them, Huddersfield Underbank Rangers celebrate their 125^th anniversary in the best possible way by qualifying for their first ever Grand Final.

Rangers, who have nurtured some of the code’s most famous names at their picturesque Holmfirth ground including Harold Wagstaff, Paul Dixon and Eorl Crabtree, hold the distinction of being the oldest amateur club in the code.

The sides have met on three occasions this season, with only ten points and no more than one converted score separating them in total.

All the evidence points to a similarly close encounter at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, with one of the key battle zones set to take place in the back row of the scrum.

Rangers� second rower Darren Hawkyard was in sensational form last week in the Final Eliminator, crossing for four tries to dispose of the challenge from Nottingham Outlaws while Gary Keegan and Tom Senior have again had immensely consistent seasons.

Up against them, Bramley’s tearaway John Elliker has proved to be a real handful and Simon Speight been in tremendous form of late.

The experience of skipper and scrum half Jon Nicholls along with hooker Graham Harrison and veteran prop Danny O’Connor will be key to Bramley’s aspirations, while outstanding Huddersfield centre Shaun Mitchell notched his 21^st try of the campaign last week and Neil Barrett was in tremendous form with the boot.

His kicking duel with Drake, who claimed 14 points when the Buffaloes last lifted the title in 2006, could be crucial.

Forward Alex Rowe will play for the Eagles next season.

Prop forward Rowe joined the Eagles from the then Doncaster Lakers. He played in 13 games at the start of the 2008 season.

Aston added: “Alex has been given a one-year contract. We have signed a player we know and who we are sure will be strong for us next season.”

James Collins The Star

The great work Sheffield Eagles does in bringing rugby league to schools and the community has won a top award.

The club took the Co-operative Championships Best Community Programme title at the league’s annual awards ceremony last night.

South Yorkshire had another winner with Barnsley-based referee Ronnie Laughton named Referee of the Year.

Eagles’ coach Mark Aston said the club deserved the community award, the top prize on offer for a club outside the Super League.

“We have achieved a massive amount in the past 10 years from community development and now the Scholarship - a fantastic job has been done.”

“This is a tribute to all the hard work of a lot of people at the club. We invest heavily in the community and from day one have aimed to develop local players.”�

Mr Laughton is a police officer who took charge of his first professional game in 1997.

It is the second time he has been named top referee outside the Super League taking the then National League award in 2004.

Eagles' centre Menzie Yere was one of three nominated for the Player of the Year Award but lost out to Barrow’s Andy Ellis.

Aston was short-listed for the Coach of the Year but that went to Barrow boss Dave Clark who has taken the Raiders to the Championship Grand Final. 

Full list of the Co-operative Championship Awards for 2009:

The Co-operative Championships Best Community Programme - Sheffield Eagles

The Co-operative Championship Player of the Year - Andy Ellis (Barrow Raiders)

The nominees were: Ben Black (Halifax);  Andy Ellis (Barrow Raiders); Menzie Yere (Sheffield Eagles).

The Co-operative Championship 1 Player of the Year - Liam Finn (Dewsbury Rams)

The nominees were:Andrew Bostock (Dewsbury Rams); Liam Finn (Dewsbury Rams); Jon Presley (Keighley Cougars).

The Co-operative Championship Young Player of the Year - Kyle Amor (Whitehaven)

 The nominees were: Kyle Amor (Whitehaven); Kyle Briggs (Featherstone Rovers); Jermaine MacGillvary (Batley Bulldogs).

The Co-operative Championship One Young Player of the Year - Jonny Leather (Blackpool)

The nominees were: Jonny Leather (Blackpool Panthers);  Danny Ratcliffe (York City Knights); Jarrad Stack (Workington Town). 

The Co-operative Championship Coach of the Year - Dave Clark (Barrow)

The nominees were: Mark Aston (Sheffield Eagles); Dave Clark (Barrow Raiders); Karl Harrison (Batley Bulldogs)

The Co-operative Championship One Coach of the Year - Warren Jowitt (Dewsbury Rams)

The nominees were: Warren Jowitt (Dewsbury Rams); Martin Crompton (Blackpool Panthers); Barry Eaton (Keighley Cougars)

The Co-operative Championship 'Referee of the Year' - Ron Laughton.

The nominees were: James Child; Ron Laughton;  Jamie Leahy.

The Neil Whittaker Trophy presented each year to a Match Official who, in the opinion of the selection panel, has achieved a great deal during the year. The winner is Richard Cowling.

The Co-operative Championships Club of the Year - Dewsbury Rams

The winners of the Frontline Fair Play Index Award in the Co-operative Championship -  Halifax

The inaugural winner of the Northern Rail Star Award which recognises outstanding work in the community - Frank Watene (Halifax)

The Co-operative Rugby League Conference National Young Player of the Year - Billy Sheen (Warrington Wizards)

The Co-operative Rugby League Conference National Coach of the Year - Mark Butterill (Bramley Buffaloes)

The Co-operative Rugby League Conference National Player of the Year - Adam Millward (Nottingham Outlaws)

James Collins The Star

FOUR EAGLES ANSWER BRAVEHEARTS CALL

Four Eagles' players  have been named in the Scotland squad for next month's the European Cup.

Mitch Stringer and Brendon Lindsay are set to make their international debuts and they join Don Valley teammates and established internationals Jack Howieson and Alex Szostak in the Bravehearts 27-man squad named by coach Steve McCormick.

Australian-born Lindsay, who qualifies because of Scottish grandfather, is included after an outstanding season in which he scored 13 tries and was named in the Co-operative Championship All-Stars team.

Barnsley-based Stringer is rated one of the top prop forwards outside the Super League. Stringer has a Scottish mother and grandmother.

South Yorkshire has a fifth representative in Doncaster winger Dean Colton who with Howieson was in the Scotland squad at the last Rugby League World Cup.

Former Eagles half-back Dominic Brambani is in the Italian squad that will face Scotland in the opening game of the competition in Padova on 17 October.

Brambani spent two seasons at the Eagles before going to Australia last year where he has been playing on the Gold Coast.

Forward Jordan James is another former Eagles' player in the tournament. The Celtic Crusaders' forward is in the Welsh squad.
The rugbyleague.com European Cup will feature six teams Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Serbia, Lebanon and Italy and results will count towards seedings and qualification for the 2013 Rugby League World Cup.

rugbyleague.com European Cup Fixtures:

Round 1

Saturday 17/10/09, Stadio Del Plebiscito, Padova - Italy V Scotland . KO : 15.00 

Sunday 18/10/09, Tullamore RUFC, Tullamore - Ireland V Serbia. KO 14.30 

Round 2

Saturday 24/10/09, Tripoli Olympic Stadium, Tripoli - Lebanon V Italy. KO 20.000

Sunday 25/10/09, FK Smedervo Stadium, Smederevo - Serbia V Wales. KO 14.00

Round 3

Sunday 1/11/09, Hughenden, Glasgow  - Scotland V Lebanon. KO 15.00

Sunday 1/11/09, Pontypridd RUFC, Pontypridd - Wales V Ireland. KO 17.00

FINALS DAY:

Sunday 08/11/09, Celtic Crusaders RL, Brewery Field, Bridgend,

3rd  v 3rd   KO 11.00; 2nd  v 2nd KO 13.30. 1st  v 1st   KO 16.00

James Collins 

This October England host France in the Gillette Four Nations at Doncaster’s Keepmoat Stadium and the RFL has

teamed up with Sheffield Eagles to find two lucky children to be mascots and help lead out the teams.

As one of the mascots, you will be given the once in a lifetime opportunity of accompanying out a player from one of

the international sides as well as receiving three free tickets to the game

This autumn’s Gillette Four Nations is the biggest international Rugby League tournament to be held in the northern

hemisphere since 2000

Under coach Tony Smith, England will start the tournament as underdogs but will be confident of beating the French on

Friday October 23 when the two sides meet in Doncaster

Australia will start the tournament as favourites despite losing last year’s World Cup Final to New Zealand who will be

keen to prove that their victory over the Kangaroos was not a fluke

Whoever makes the final at Elland Road, Leeds on November 14 it is sure to an absolute cracker

Tickets for the Gillette Four Nations tournament featuring Australia, England, France and World Champions New Zealand

are now available from £20 for adults and £10 for concessions on 0844 856 11 13 or via www.englandrl.co.uk 

Family ticket offers are also available

To be in with a chance of being a mascot, simply answer the following question

Where will England play France on Friday October 23?

a)            Doncaster

b)            Wakefield

c)            Nottingham

To be in with a chance of winning this prize please e-mail: competitions@rfl.uk.com and state where you entered from.

Terms and conditions

• Mascot must be aged between 9-12
• The prize includes one match ticket for the mascot and two match tickets for a parent/guardian.
• After mascot duty, each child will be escorted back to their seats to join their parent/guardian.
• All winners will be contacted individually and the day will be explained in full detail.
• Prizes cannot be exchanged, transferred or sold.

The Eagles are celebrating having two players - Brendon Lindsay and Menzie Yere - being named in the Co-operative Championship All-Star team for 2009.

”I’m delighted for them - they have both had an outstanding season and they deserve the recognition of being in the All-Star team,”� said coach Mark Aston.

Stand-off Lindsay has controlled the Eagles’ play and centre Yere in his first season in the British game has gained a reputation for fearsome strength.

”They are very different players, Menzie is the hustle and the bustle, very dominant in collisions - the hit man,” added Aston.

”Brendon is cool and puts the team around the park, he’s the go-to player who makes things happen.”

Yere joined the Eagles after playing for Papua New Guinea in the World Cup. He is the club’s top try scorer with 14 this season.

Lindsay has been a key player since arriving from Australia in 2006 and has played more than 100 games scoring 44 tries, 13 this season.

The All-Stars Team is made up of the outstanding players in the Championship and the choice of Yere and Lindsay reflects the Eagles great run in the second half of the season and third place finish.

Aston said: “The Eagles team has been very strong this year. There could have been a number of people in the All-Star team from the Eagles but to get two in is fine by me."

The players were presented with a special All-Star team kit at an event to launch the play-offs.

The Championship All-Star team, as selected by League Weekly, features players from eight different teams with table-toppers Barrow being the team most heavily represented with four players.

 The Co-operative Championship One All-Star team sees six clubs represented with unbeaten champions Dewsbury providing six of the 13 players.

2009 Co-operative Championship All-Stars

1 Miles Greenwood - HALIFAX

2 James Nixon - BARROW

3 Menze Yere - SHEFFIELD

4 Liam Harrison - BARROW

5 Jermaine McGilvray - BATLEY

6 Brendon Lindsay - SHEFFIELD

7 Andy Kain - FEATHERSTONE

8 Kyle Amor - WHITEHAVEN

9 Andy Ellis - BARROW

10 Karl Edmondson - WHITEHAVEN

11 Michael Knowles - GATESHEAD

12 Richard Fletcher - WIDNES

13 Zeb Luisi - BARROW

2009 Co-operative Championship One All-Stars

1 Jonny Leather - BLACKPOOL

2 Bryn Powell  - DEWSBURY

3 Kane Epati  - DEWSBURY

4 Casey Mayberry - ROCHDALE

5 Gavin Duffy - KEIGHLEY

6 Pat Walker - DEWSBURY

7 Liam Finn - DEWSBURY

8 Mark Applegarth - YORK

9 Richard Chapman - HUNSLET

10 Scott Law - KEIGHLEY

11 Andy Bostock - DEWSBURY

12 Chris Baines - OLDHAM

13 Adam Hayes - DEWSBURY

James Collins The Star

THE CO-OPERATIVE LAUNCH EAGLES ‘FAN OF THE YEAR’ SEARCH

Sheffield Eagles fans are being encouraged to nominate their most dedicated counterparts after The Co-operative today (1^st September 2009) launched a hunt to find the 2009 Co-operative Championships ‘Fan of the Year’.

All Co-operative Championship teams have witnessed some pulsating encounters this season with average fan attendances rising across the league.

The Co-operative, title sponsors of the Co-operative Championships and official partner of the RFL, are looking to find the Sheffield Eagles fan that most demonstrates their exceptional loyalty to both their club and the sport.

The ‘Fan of the Year’ will be judged on successful candidate’s contributions to the sport, especially the ways in which they typify the community spirit of the game.

Mark Aston, Sheffield Eagles Chief Executive, said: ‘This year the crowds and level of rugby league on the pitch in the UK has risen again. The fans are so passionate and follow their team through thick and thin in their communities – we feel it’s time we found the UK’s rugby league fan of the year!”

An expert panel of judges will assess a range of criteria ranging from match day attendance, club memorabilia, community support and promotion, to away match attendance.

The winning ‘Fan of the Year’ will be presented to the crowd on the pitch at the Co-operative Championships Grand Final on Sunday 4^th October to receive their trophy.

Liz Matkin, The Co-operative Group’s Sponsorship Manager, commented: “This is a new initiative which sees us rewarding fans for their commitment to the Co-operative Championships. We hope to find the most dedicated fan – not just to their club but someone who is devoted to the sport and the community spirit that underpins the game.”

Co-operative ‘Good for Everyone’ ambassador, Paul Sculthorpe, added: “Throughout my career in rugby league I’ve been amazed by the support and passion of the fans. I’m looking forward to going through the entries from all clubs and selecting our deserving winner.”

Fans can send in their nominations for the Co-operative ‘Fan of the Year’ with supporting information via email to fanoftheyear@generatesponsorship.com or via post to:

Co-operative Fan of the Year

Generate Sponsorship,

1^st Floor, 1 Hardwick Street,

London

EC1R  4RB

Forward Peter Green has agreed a deal that will keep him at Eagles for the next two seasons.

Green joined the Eagles from rivals Doncaster earlier in the year in a shock move after nine seasons at the Dons.

He’s been an ever-present in the Eagles’  team and has played a big part in their surge up the Championship.

The new deal was announced as the Eagles claimed a league double over Halifax with a 38-24 win at Don Valley.

Green said: “I’m very happy. I was only signed to the end of the year when I came but I’ve settled in. It’s a great set of lads and hopefully we can get a bit of success.”

”I don’t see why we can’t make the Grand Final, we have proved every week that we have a few things to work on but we’ve got a good squad and we’re happy so we can get there.”

Coach Mark Aston had been trying to bring Green across South Yorkshire for a couple of seasons and sees the back row forward as a key member of his squad.

Aston said: “It’s great that Peter has signed a new two-year contract. He’s done a marvellous job since he came in.”

”We are starting to get the people in the right places, we are only going to get stronger from this.”

James Collins The Star

             JANE CHRISTOPHER                       BRENDON LINDSAY                            KATE PEAT

Eagles' players have been told to put the first 20 minutes at Whitehaven behind them � but don’t make the same mistakes.

The team’s battling style saw them twice pull back to within two points in the game but they couldn’t grab the winning try.

”We got ourselves back into the game after a bit of a horror show for 20 minutes or so,”� said coach Mark Aston.

”We were right back there but then we came up with soft decisions that cost us dearly.

I said to the lads we have to learn from games like this. Learn from the little things we didn’t do and if we do that then there’s four games to go and we’re capable of winning them all. That’s something that I haven’t been able to say for a few years.”�

Yet again the Eagles came away from the 36-34 defeat with the consolation of a bonus� point.

The Eagles have never failed to earn a point from Championship games this season with Whitehaven their ninth, a new league record. The bonus is awarded when the losing margin is 12 points or less.

That lifted the Eagles one place to fifth with Featherstone Rovers dropping into the final play-off place after a shock 34-18 defeat at home to Toulouse, a margin of defeat that denied Rovers a bonus point.

Loan signing from Featherstone Rovers, back row forward, Joe Hirst who made his debut off the bench at Whitehaven and impressed Aston.

He said: “Joe looked a bit of class when he went on. He’s got something, good hands, good feet and he’ll get better as the weeks go on.”

Meanwhile club captain Jack Howieson is likely to be back in action against Batley Bulldogs at the weekend.

The Scottish international forward played last at Barrow late in May and has missed six games with a foot injury.

His return is a massive boost with only four league games left and the Eagles battling to hold on to a Championship play-off place.

Howieson said after the Whitehaven game: said: ”I hope to play at Batley on Sunday. I had a MRI scan on the foot and the trouble seems to have cleared. I trained on Friday and there didn’t seem to be a reaction.”

”I’ll be training this week and will be going all out to show I’m ready to play.”�

Howieson, who has played more than 200 games for the club, added: ”It’s been frustrating having to watch from the sidelines but the team has done well and we can still make fourth place.”�

The prop’s return will give  Mark Aston added options in the pack with four league games left to play.

Aston is checking on the fitness of top points scorer Jonny Woodock who was forced off at Whitehaven with a dead leg.

Utility back Damian Gibson is also having treatment for an ankle injury suffered in the pre-game warm up. He played but struggled with the pace of the game and had to be substituted before returning when Woodcock was injured.

James Collins The Star

Club captain Jack Howieson is celebrating his birthday and a new two-year deal .

The prop forward is 28 this week and is also hoping to be granted a testimonial in recognition of his service at Don Valley.

“I’m very happy to be staying at the Eagles, it’s been my only professional club and I’ve never really wanted to go to another club,” said Howieson.

“The deal will take me to 30 and hopefully I will be able to stay longer. It’s my only club but players who have come here say what a good one it is to play for.”

“The fans have been great and we’re having a good season so signing a new deal is just right.”

The Eagles are backing Howieson’s application to the Rugby Football League to be granted a testimonial season. He is the club’s longest serving player after half-back Gavin Brown. For a number of years he was part of the club's team taking the game in the community with coaching sessions in schools and at local clubs.

Howieson joined the Eagles in the 2000 season while still a student at Sheffield Hallam University. He has played 202 games scoring 11 tries.

A Scottish international Howieson played in last year’s World Cup in Australia and his strong, no-nonsense style has him rated one of the best props outside the Super League.

His new deal is good news for the fans and follows Australian stand-off Brendon Lindsay’s decision to stay at Don Valley for another season.

Coach Mark Aston said: “We’re delight that Jack Howieson has signed another two-year contract to keep him at the club. With Brendon’s deal that’s the captain and vice captain who are staying with us.”

“Jack’s has given everything for the club, he’s the player you want out there in games and leads by example.”�

Howieson has been sidelined in recent weeks by a foot injury but hopes that the results of an MRI scan will clear the way for him to resume training this week.

James Collins The Star

Two forwards were added to the injury hit squad in eleventh-hour transfer deadline moves.

Joe Hirst has moved from Championship rivals Featherstone Rovers and Luke Hardbottle joins from Leeds Rhinos Academy.

Both are back row forwards and have been signed on deals that will keep them at Don Valley until the end of the season.

At the same time hooker Andy Boothroyd has been allowed to join Championship One side Oldham on loan.

The double signing just before Friday’s deadline gives Mark Aston cover in a squad that has lost the five front line players to major injuries this season.

“We’ve five games left of the league season and we need players with can freshen up the squad and provide cover,” said Aston.

“Joe is an experienced back rower who has been at Halifax and Wakefield and will do a good job for us. He’s ready to fight for a place.”

“Luke is only 20 but has had a solid grounding in the Leeds Academy and has a great attitude, he’s a great kid who gives 100 per cent. Leeds has been playing him at prop but his best position could be in the back row.”

“Both lads are hard players with a good attitude, just what we need at this stage of the season.”

Hirst, 22, made his senior debut as an 18 year old for Halifax and later played for Wakefield Trinity Wildcats. This season he has played seven games for Featherstone scoring four tries.

Hardbottle was one of the victims of a Leeds’ decision to run their Academy as an under-20s team which led to a cull of seven young players last week.

Both signings will be in contention for the Eagles’ trip to Whitehaven next Sunday.

Meanwhile Boothroyd has not been unable to train or play at Don Valley for two months. The move to Oldham fits in better with his work commitments.

James Collins The Star

The Eagles squad played some of the best rugby of the two-day tournament but lost out to Blackpool Panthers.

The Eagles left themselves with too much to do after a poor first half in which they trailed 10-0.

It was different story in the second half as they hit back with tries by Jonny Woodcock and Menzie Yere and a goal from Brendon Lindsay but Blackpool took the trophy with a try on the hooter from Dean Thompson .

“We started too slowly and let Blackpool get away, but credit to Blackpool they played well,” said Mark Aston.

“It’s never good losing a final. The lads had done all the hard work getting to the final.”�

The 9s competition was run as part of the Northern Rail Cup final weekend. It involved all 18 English-based Championship clubs except Rail Cup finalists Barrow Raiders and Widnes.

The Eagles had to battle through five games to reach the final held at Blackpool FC’s Bloomfield Road group before the Rail Cup final on Sunday.

The early rounds were played in a festival atmosphere and attracted a crowd of several thousand to Fylde Rugby Union club, on Saturday.

Eagles’ fans were in good voice as they enjoyed the sunshine and urged the team on through the early rounds.

Spotted in the crowd were many familiar Don Valley faces including Denise - who had taken a day off from selling Golden Gamble tickets. Keeping the stats on games were Martin and Neil and their mates from the away fans club�.

Fans from every club seemed to be there, including a couple from Doncaster and a family of five children (one in a buggy, who seemed to sleep through the games) plus parents from Cumbria, all in club kit!

In all the first 9s tournament was a winner with the supporters.

The players were also enthusiastic about the competition, which gave Menzie Yere, Tangi Roparti and Trevor Exton their first experience of the British seaside.

Alex Szostak, who scored four tries, said after first couple of games: “It’s good, a real work out and a chance to try a few things.”�

The Eagles topped their group beating Workington (26-8), and Whitehaven (24-10) before the game of the day a thrilling 22-22 draw with Featherstone Rovers.

The early rounds also gave fans to see Wembley Cup final winner Darren Shaw in action for Rochdale, the side he coaches.

Quite a few other former Eagles players were in the teams, including Jon Presley (playing for Keighley) who managed to make a little bit of history as the first player sent-off for talking back to the referee and after being shown a yellow, upped it to red with a comment to the touch judge!

Rob Worrincy’s tournament only lasted a few minutes before he limped off playing in Halifax’s opening game.

In the knock-out stage played on Saturday there was an easy passage through the quarter final with a 50-10 win over Leigh Centurions with Trevor Exton and Tangi Ropati each scoring twice as the Eagles ran in eight tries.

That produced a semi-final against Featherstone Rovers, coached by former Eagles favourite Daryl Powell.

It was a nail-biting clash with the Eagles edging the win 20-14 thanks to two tries each from Menzie Yere and Exton with Lindsay kicking two goals to take them to the final.

Doncaster lost their first two games to Batley and Hunslet but gained a consolation group stage win 22-12 over Keighley Cougars.

In charge of the Eagles squad was Waisale Sovatabua and watching all the time from the clubhouse balcony was Mark Aston.

Aston used the competition to give experience to five reserve team players in a squad of 15.

Young players Kyle Kesik, Mark Renshaw-Smith, Cory Hanson, Jamie Cottle, Dan Townson all got game time and showed the potential for the future that is developing in the reserves.

“We’ve had some of the young lads out there and they’ve had a chance to see what it’s like to play at this level,” said Aston.

“We didn’t win the final but we haven’t lost, in lots of other ways. The players made a commitment to come to the competition and do a job.”�

Menzie Yere finished the Eagles top try scorer in the 9s with six touchdowns followed by Trevor Exton with five, Alex Szostak, Tangi Ropati and Jonny Woodcock all claimed four ties.

The Eagles squad was: Menzie Yere, Jonny Woodcock, Trevor Exton, Alex Szostak, Tangi Ropati, Mitch Stringer, Sam Barlow, Bolu Fagborun, Gavin Brown, Brendon Lindsay, Kyle Kesik, Mark Renshaw-Smith, Cory Hanson, Jamie Cottle, Dan Townson.

Report by Martin Brooks

NEW INVESTMENT PLEA BY CHAIRMAN

New investment is needed to help tthe Eagles continue the grassroots rugby league growth in South Yorkshire.

The annual general meeting was told (Thursday 9 July) that the club is feeling the pinch as the credit crunch hits sponsorship.

The warning comes as Doncaster RLFC - South Yorkshire’s other professional club, has gone into administration because of cash problems.

The club reported turnover in 2008 was slightly up at £484,915 (against £470,888 in 2007) but the operating loss also increased to £38,696 (against £21,496).

Chairman Ian Swire told shareholders: “A lot of our expenditure goes on the award winning and extensive grassroots development work that we carry out in some of the most deprived areas of Sheffield and South Yorkshire.”

“Unfortunately previous appeals that have been made to various interested parties have not resulted in the levels of increased capitalisation that we had hoped for, but the club is managing to continue operating.

“The trading position for the current year has improved due to additional RFL funding, delayed development income finally coming on stream and a decent Challenge Cup run. Working within our tight budgets we have been able to put an exciting team on the field with a number of world cup stars and our goal remains a top four finish to the season.”

“We are not, however, immune to the general economic malaise and matchday sponsorships and corporate events, such as golf days, have reduced dramatically this year.”�

The Eagles are having a highly-successful season on the field. They are fifth in the Co-operative Championship and set to make the end-of-season play-offs with a £100,000 prize for the Grand Final winners.

Mr Swire added that the club continues to place the emphasis on developing young local players but this will only bear dividends long-term.

“The club would welcome new investment and I would be happy to discuss the possibilities with interested parties,” he added.

Prop Mitch Stringer is charging back into top form and he's got his timing just right, says coach Mark Aston.

The Barnsley forward powered in for a hat-trick of tries as the Eagles crushed Batley Bulldogs 30-4.

”Mitch Stringer is playing better that he has done all season, good timing,”� said Mark.

”We always felt that around Batley’s try line there was a lot of space and if we could get Mitch runninglike he can, he takes some stopping.”�

The win over Batley was the Eagles fifth in six games and consolidates their fifth place in in the Co-operative Championship.

With Jack Howieson injured Stringer has in recent games taken on the role of starting prop forging a partnership with former Royal Marine Ryan Hepworth.

Aston says the forward pack, which includes new signing Peter Green and Michael Haley from Doncaster, is a match for any in the Championship.

”Ryan is standing up week in and week out and don’t forget we’re missing people like Jack Howieson,” adds Mark looking back on the performance against Batley.

”Then when you bring on Michael Haley the penetration of his runs, his busting of tackles and his tackle technique show that he had a grounding at a quality club which he had � Leeds Rhinos.”

”Peter Green was absolutely outstanding against Batley. It was a tough game in really hot weather. He wasn’t able to do 80 minutes but for the time he was on the field he was immense.”

Aston added: “Batley might have scored the first try, but they didn’t score again for 75 minutes.”

”We were dominant and massive in defence, and a lot of that’s about attitude.”�

Mitch Stringer joined the Eagles in 2001 from amateurs Hoyland Vikings. He was transferred to Super League club London Broncos in 2003 and had a season at Salford Reds before rejoining the Eagles in 2006.

The 25-year-old is a familiar face in local schools as part of the Eagles’ development team taking rugby league to the community.

Jim Collins The Star

                        SHEFFIELD EAGLES RLFC

                                 SUMMER CAMPS 2009

               Sheffield Eagles are again offering coaching to U12’s, through to U15’s,

                                     at various camps in South Yorkshire.

                                   To book onto one of the above camps or for further information, please contact

                                     Adam Hughes on 0114 2610326 or email adam.hughes@sheffieldeagles.com

This is hoped to be a new supporters club, run independently, and it's aims, we hope, are to increase support, fund raise and arrange away travel, as well as bringing all supporters and the club closer together.

We would hope that as any loyal supporters as possible would turn up to discuss any interest, or indeed whether there is any call for one!

If you require further details contact Ray Green on 0114 2610326 or email ray.green@sheffieldeaglesror Simon Proctor on simon.proctor@sheffieldeagles.comld

Peter Green

The move to Sheffield Eagles for Peter Green was the right one at the right time, but it was never going to be an easy decision to take.

Peter had given nine seasons for sweat and honest effort to his hometown club Doncaster RLFC.

The club may have been called the Dragons, the Dons, even the Lakers but no matter what the title the name Peter Green was on the team sheet.

Breaking that bond when Mark Aston came calling last month was a major decision but one that had to be taken.

Doncaster was about to go into administration as a search for new investment faltered. It’s a situation Peter had faced before but this time it was right to make a move.

“It was a massive decision after being there (Doncaster) for so long, being the assistant coach and captain of the side,” he said.

“It was so tough to make. I had spoken to Mark Aston when the club went wrong before and he wanted me to come over then but I stayed that time.

But this time things were a little bit different, I felt I needed a move and I’m glad now because it’s turned out for the best.”

Peter played as an amateur for Toll Bar before joining Castleford at 16. A loan spell at Doncaster was followed by a permanent move nearly nine seasons ago.

He added: “It was the uncertainty, you didn’t know when things were going to happen. The last time when things were going wrong there was always a bit of hope, talk of people coming in, but this time it doesn’t seem there.”

“I’m 27 now and I haven’t got that many years left (as a player) and I felt I needed a new challenge.”

Doncaster fans have been supportive of Peter’s decision as he discovered as he watched his old club take a 70-6 hammering from Batley Bulldogs.

He said: “The fans have been great, really understanding. I’ve bumped into quite few at the Batley game and they all shook my hand and wished me the best, which meant a lot to me.

The fans know the situation the club and the players are in and I’m sure they will be fine by me.

I’d like to thank the Doncaster fans for the support they’ve given me over the years – they’ve been brilliant.”

At Don Valley Peter links up with his father Ray who is part of the Eagles’ staff.

For Peter the switch to being an Eagles player has gone smoothly. He said: “Everbody at Sheffield has been brilliant with me I couldn’t ask for anything more.

The coaching staff, the players, have made me feel really welcome which has been a big help.

One thing you do sense at Sheffield is that everything is professionally run. The club is a great set up and everything is organised and spot on.

The club and the players prepare well for games, they players do a lot themselves and it’s great to be in an environment like that after Doncaster this year when things never really went right.””

Peter has been joined at Don Valley by prop Michael Haley and hooker Craig Cook who started the season at Doncaster with him. They have linked up again with Kyle Wood who made the move across South Yorkshire preseason.

Now all the four look set to play a big part in driving the Eagles into the play-offs after a first half of the season when too many games ended with only a bonus point, including a 22-23 loss to Doncaster at Don Valley, in April.

Peter feels the squad is hitting form and can ride out the loss of series of senior players from injury in recent weeks.

He added: “It will be tough, the Eagles got off to a bad start and they lost a few games when they should have been picking up points, and one of them was against Doncaster!

“It’s amazing the number of players who are out for the season – lads like Dane McDonald, Tommy Trayler out - but it’s a big squad and there’s competition for places.It means Mark can rest players and move people around which is good.”

 “Over the next few weeks we’ve got a few games that we can definitely look at picking the points up and moving up the table.”

Jim Collins The Star

Teenage reserve players are being lined up by Mark Aston to step up if the forward injury crisis deepens.

“We’ve got some good young kids coming through which is a massive positive,” said Aston.

“The reserves are playing at Hillsborough at the weekend and they might have a pack full of 17 and 18 year old players.”

Aston has lost a complete pack of forwards from the squad that started the season, mainly through long-term injuries.

Peter Green, Michael Haley, from Doncaster, and Papua New Guinea international Trevor Exton, have been added to the squad but forward cover is limited.

That could open the way for forwards Dan Hawksworth and Eddie Battye, who signed as professionals last year with Battye making his first team debut in the final game of the season.

“Dan and Eddie are starting to get established at the reserve level, we’re developing young players which what the club has to do,” added Aston.

The young Eagles face Doncaster in the reserves derby, at Hillsborough Arena, Middlewood Road, on Saturday, kick-off 2.30pm.

Jim Collins The Star

Hooker Craig Cook has rejoined the Eagles from Doncaster  - in time to face his former club in the South Yorkshire derby.

Craig's signing comes as a boost after losing regular number nine Andy Boothroyd for the rest of the season.

Mark Aston welcomed Cook back for a second spell at Don Valley as the team bid to charge into the Championship play-off places.

”Craig wants another chance and is ready to fight for a place and play reserve grade if he has to, said Aston. ”He wants to show us that he has sorted his fitness out and got his mind on the job.

There’s no doubt about his ability and I’m delighted to bring him back to the club after having lost Andy Boothroyd through work commitments.

We can expect that Craig will want to impress and fetch something to the party and if he does that he’ll be a useful signing.”

Craig is set to join a pack that includes Peter Green and Michael Haley who made the switch from Doncaster in recent weeks.

Sunday’s derby clash is being played at Featherstone Rovers ground (kick-off 3pm) because the Keepmoat Stadium is unavailable.

Craig was Eagles’ first choice hooker at the start of last season playing in ten games, scoring three tries before but leaving mid-season.

His bustling cheeky style and ability to spark things from acting half-back could be vital with some tough games coming up.

But Aston’s hopes of persuading Huddersfield Giants forward Joe Walsh to extend his loan spell at Don Valley have been dashed.

The 21-year-old back rower has turned down an offer to stay until the end of the season because of injury problems.

Mark said: “Joe has been playing for most of the season with a dodgy shoulder and he wants to have an op asp.

We’ll have to see what happens next year we’re still in the market and will be talking to him because I know he enjoyed the loan spell.”

Jim Collins The Star

Mitch Stringer, Tangi Roparti, Trevor Exton, Menzie Yere, Richard Caborn MP, Ged Corcoran, Mark Aston, Keith Thompson, Chris Noble MBE,

Brendon Lindsay

On Monday 22^nd June, a delegation of Sheffield Eagles officials and players were invited to visit the Houses of Parliament for lunch to 

discuss the current season and future plans, including the new stadium project. 

The host for the visit was Richard Caborn MP for Sheffield Central, who was accompanied by Clive Betts MP for Sheffield Attercliffe,

on what was a momentous day in Parliament, with the vote for a new speaker taking centre stage. Sheffield Eagles players attending

had an international flavour that included Menzie Yere & Trevor Exton (Papua New Guinea), Tangi Ropati (Samoa), Brendon Lindsay

(Australia), Ged Corcoran (Ireland) and Mitch Stringer. 

The meeting was a great success with both Richard Caborn and Clive Betts approving the Eagles plans and pledging their support.

The full itinerary was organised by Chris Noble MBE, a director of Sheffield Eagles who commented “The whole day was a great

success and I have written to thank both Richard Caborn and Clive Betts for giving us their time, on what was a very busy day for them. 

Both have been long time supporters of this club and it is always great to see them down at Don Valley on matchdays”. 

Afterwards, the players visited various places of interest including the London Eye, Buckingham Palace and had a guided tour of sites on

the London Duck, an amphibious vehicle that visited landmarks about the centre of London both in and out of the Thames

Jim Collins The Star

Ilkeston Co-op Travel confirmed as Sheffield Eagles RLFC Official Travel Partner

 Sheffield Eagles and Ilkeston Co-op Travel have today confirmed that Ilkeston Co-op Travel will be the club’s Official Travel Partner.

Ilkeston Co-op Travel offers great deals on holidays, all at competitive prices.  Now fans and associates of Sheffield Eagles, who book with Ilkeston Co-op Travel, will be actively supporting the club too.  Fans who buy anything from flights and hotels to complete holiday packages, will be helping Sheffield Eagles because a percentage of Ilkeston Co-op’s profit will go towards funding for the club.  All you have to do is visit the lkeston Co-op Travel team at Meadowhall Retail Park or call them on 01142 444422 and mention the Sheffield Eagles supporters deal.  Further details are also available at www.sheffieldeagles.com.

Sheffield Eagles General Manager, Simon Proctor said: "We are delighted to confirm Ilkeston Co-op Travel as our Official Travel Partner.  We believe this relationship benefits everyone because it supports the ongoing development of Sheffield Eagles, at the same time as encouraging fans and associates to take advantage of the great value holidays offered by Ilkeston Co-op Travel.  It’s now part of our plan to develop and strengthen key commercial partnerships off the field in line with some first-rate performances from the Eagles on the pitch.”

Commenting on the announcement, Louise Stocks, Manager of the Ilkeston Co-op Travel shop in Meadowhall Retail Park said: “We are delighted to have become the official Travel Partner for Sheffield Eagles.  We have a long history of supporting the local communities in which we trade and it is wonderful to be able to benefit such a well loved local club, whist continuing to offer the great value and service we are known for.  We would like to offer a warm welcome to all Sheffield Eagles fans and associates, as well as wishing the club the very best for coming season.  We look forward to helping those associated with the club with their travel arrangements.”

L to R Paul Broadbent, Gary Hetherington, Kath Hetherington, Richard Pepper, Mark Aston, Daryl Powell

GARY and KATH HETHERINGTON – A great partnership that created the club. Gary had the idea to create a totally new professional rugby league club in Sheffield but he couldn’t have made that dream a reality without the backing of his wife Kath. A couple with young children they risked all to establish Sheffield Eagles. Most people must have thought they were mad - if you were going to establish a business, and make your fortune, launching a rugby league club seemed a strange choice of venture. They were the ideal couple to do just that - Gary had enjoyed a long career in the game and Kath was from a great rugby league family. Before he hung up his boots Gary played in 65 games for the club from 1984 to 1988 scoring five tries and three drop goals for a total of 23 points. Kath went on to become the first woman President of the Rugby Football League. Together they worked to make Sheffield Eagles work and it is right that together they should join the club’s Hall of Fame.

DARYL POWELL - the first player to be signed for the club, the first to win Great Britain honours. Daryl was a remarkable player who very soon could have moved on to a bigger club but stayed at the Eagles. As captain he took the club to its first promotion, suffered the agony of relegation but helped the club back into the First Division. He was the first Eagles played to be capped by Great Britain and was one of the most gifted and committed players of his generation. Daryl played in 312 games for the club from 1984 to 1995, scoring 114 tries and 16 drop goals for a total of 472 points.

PAUL BROADBENT – Beanz was the big man who led from the front. With Sheffield Eagles Paul became one of the most respected front role forwards in the game. Respected for his honest approach on and off the field. As captain of the team he led by example - doing the hard graft. That hard work was rewarded when he lifted the Challenge Cup at Wembley in 1998 - the high point of the last 25 years.  Paul played in 327 games for the club from 1987 to 1998 scoring 43 tries for a total of 172 points.

MARK ASTON – Tubby is the club’s record points scorer and winner of the Lance Todd Trophy as man of the match in the Wembley Challenge Cup final triumph. As a player be would be worthy of a place in the Hall of Fame but his contribution to the club is far greater. Mark was one of the key people in saving the club after the ‘merger’ trauma and has become the public face of rugby league in the city. He has established the new club and is working to ensure a strong future. Mark played in a club record 389 games from 1985 to 2004, scoring 54 tries, kicking 940 goals and 46 drop goals for a club record total of 2142 points.

RICHARD PEPPER - has made unique contribution to the club over the past 25 years. He was a pupil at Castleford Grammar School with Gary Hetherington and offered his help when the club was in the development stage – and when an accountant offers to help without a fee…! Richard has taken on many roles for the club including a spell as a director. From the first whistle he has been the club’s official timekeeper and game statistics collector and has probably seen more Eagles’ games than anybody else connected to the club. It all adds up to a great contribution to the club.

Sheffield Eagles centre Menzie Yere is determined to have a big game when he faces two of his Papua New Guinea international teammates tomorrow (3pm). The bustling centre will line up against PNG legend Stanley Gene and Makali Aizu in the fifth round Challenge Cup game at Hull KR. Menzie is in his first season in the UK and the game at Craven Park is his biggest since he played for the Kumuls in the World Cup.

Eagles' coach Mark Aston said: "Menzie wants to play and put in a good performance. The game at Hull KR is a big chance for him to judge himself against some of the best players around."

Eagles go into the game as massive underdogs facing the side second in the Super League. The clubs have never met before in the Challenge Cup but the Eagles' recent record against the Rovers isn't good. The clubs last met in 2006 in the National League Cup with Rovers getting the double with 44-22 and 52-12 wins.

Eagles' bank balance should get a boost whatever the result. Rovers attract crowds of around 10,000 and a share of a big gate would be a windfall for the Eagles.

Sheffield Eagles players will have to put their bodies on the line if they are to hold rampant Hull Kingston Rovers. An Eagles team that can't win in the Championship face a side challenging for top spot in the Super League. Coach Mark Aston knows Sunday's fifth round of the Carnegie Challenge Cup, at Craven Park, is a massive test.

"The lads have to be ready to put their body on the line for 80 minutes. Some of the lads have ambitions to play in the Super League and games like this give them the chance to see where they are at - are they capable to play at that level?" he said.

Rovers have emerged as challengers for the Super League title this season - last weekend's win over Warrington put them a point behind leaders St Helens. In contrast, the Eagles have struggled, losing their last six Championship games.

Aston added: "Hull KR are a fantastic side playing on their top form. Sunday comes down to how we perform on a big stage. People will have to stand up and be counted. There is no pressure on us - nobody expects anything from us."

Papua New Guinea international Trevor Exton arrives in the UK tomorrow and Aston is hoping he will have shaken off jet lag and can make his squad debut. The back-rower's experience will be needed with Irish international Ged Corcoran out for the season. Forwards Dane McDonald, Ryan Hepworth and Tommy Trayler are struggling to shake off injuries.

Ex-Hull KR half-back Matty Brookes will be hoping for a place in the 17 and Aston may be tempted to bring back winger Ashley Thackeray who was signed from Hull FC this season.

Sheffield Eagles new signing Trevor Exton is trying to turn night into day in a bid to make his debut in the Challenge Cup game at Hull KR this weekend. The back-row forward doesn't get a flight from Australia until Friday but he's already living on UK time.

"Trevor is desperate to play on Sunday but he'll have the problem of jet lag after the flight," said Eagles coach Mark Aston. "Trevor has been to see his doctor and is working on sleeping during the day and staying awake at night so he can get accustomed to the change of time zones. He wants to play in the Hull game - it will be difficult, but I wouldn't rule him out."

The Papua New Guinea international was signed by the Eagles in October but had to win an appeal to get a visa to play in the UK. He has stayed match fit by playing for Queensland side Ipswich Jets. Exton was granted the entry visa last week and is booked on a flight that arrives in the UK early on Saturday morning.

Kick-off in the Challenge Cup fifth-round clash at top Super League side Hull KR is just over 24 hours after he touches down.

Aston added: "We'll have to see when he arrives how he is feeling. The main thing is that he is en route because it has been a long wait."

Sheffield Eagles are on track to set a new rugby league record - one they may not want. The Eagles haven't won in the Co-operative Championship since the opening round of games but are still picking up points. A run of six narrow defeats - all by a margin of 12 or less - has earned a haul of six losing 'bonus' points.

That's just two away from the eight earned by Batley in the whole of last season when the system was first introduced.

Coach Mark Aston isn't impressed: We want some wins," he said. "A bonus point means three points thrown away."

The Eagles were without a game over the Bank Holiday weekend. However, the build up has begun to Sunday's Carnegie Challenge Cup game with the Super League's second-placed side Hull KR. Aston has a detailed analysis of the 22-20 defeat by Widnes Vikings which saw the Eagles come back from 22-4 down at half-time and almost win.

"The lads didn't let in even a single point for 40 minutes. But why can't they do that for longer periods?" said Aston.

SHEFFIELD Eagles have launched a search to find the fan who gave them their name. The 'Eagles' name was thought up by the winner of a competition run in the Sheffield Star early in 1984 as the club was preparing for its first season.

"We know the winner of the name competition was a Darren Porter who lived in Chapman Street, Sheffield, at the time but we can't trace him," said coach Mark Aston. "The club is staging a big 25th anniversary dinner on May 14 and if Mr Porter is still around we'd like him to get in touch and be our guest."

Aston has tracked down the match day mascot who led out the team for their first ever game - a 29-10 win over Rochdale Hornets at Owlerton Stadium on Sunday September 2 1984.

He added: "The mascot was a lad called Simon Harrison whose dad, Jim, was a massive supporter of the club and one of the early sponsors. Both will be coming to the celebration dinner."

The club has also put out an appeal to trace as many as possible of the 349 players who have pulled on an Eagles' shirt plus former club backroom staff and helpers.

"Sheffield Eagles brought professional rugby league to the city and we've got 25 years to celebrate," said Aston. "We're planning a great night to remember all the highs and a few of the lows. It's not just players we want to hear from but the backroom staff and the people who gave their time to create this club.

Contact 01142 610 326 or mark.aston@sheffieldeagles.com

SHEFFIELD Eagles' long wait to bring international forward Trevor Exton from Australia is over and the player could fly in at the weekend. The Papua New Guinea World Cup player signed a contract in October but has been held up by trouble getting a UK visa. Eagles coach Mark Aston plans to include Exton in his side to face Super League side Hull KR in the fifth round of the Challenge Cup a week on Sunday.

"Trevor will be in the team for the Hull KR game - it's not a case of being tempted to play him, Trevor will certainly be playing," said Aston. "He's quality player who has appeared in a World Cup and has played at a good level in Australia. Trevor's the sort of player that we have been missing this season."

Exton's arrival will be a boost for Eagles who have lost Irish international forward Ged Corcoran for the rest of the season with knee injury. Minor motoring convictions caused the visa hold-up but, after completing a speed-management course, Exton has been cleared to travel. There are no fears over his match fitness. The 26-year-old back-row forward has been training and playing for his old club, Ipswich Jets, in the Queensland Cup Competition.

Aston added: "He'll come over fighting fit and can go straight into the firing line. We believe the wait will prove to be worth it."

Exton is the final of the Eagles four international signings to arrive, joining Samoan Tangi Ropati, Fijian Aaron Groom and fellow Papua New Guinean Menzie Yere.

International forward Ged Corcoran's season with Sheffield Eagles has been ended by a knee injury. Corcoran is to have surgery on his left knee that was damaged only minutes after he came on as a substitute in the Easter Monday game at Featherstone Rovers. That was the second of three games the Eagles played in seven days – a hectic schedule that Corcoran feels put too much demands on the players.

He said: "It's partly physical but it's also the mental pressure of expecting part-time players to play three games in a week – that's outrageous, they don't even ask Super League players to do that. I'd played against Doncaster on the Thursday and I twisted the knee in the Featherstone game. I went down funny and four players on top didn't help."

Corcoran is in his third season at the Eagles and played for Ireland in last year's rugby league World Cup in Australia. The back-row forward will leave a massive gap in coach Mark Aston's squad, which is struggling to end a six-match losing run.

Aston said: "It's a big disappointment for Ged and the club – we've had him to see a surgeon who says that Ged had done the ACL joint in his left knee. I'm gutted because we need players like Ged on the frontline."

Aston believes Corcoran will make a full recovery. He said: "He'll come back strongly."

Sheffield Eagles still have limited availability on their supporters bus to Hull Kingston Rovers for the Carnegie Challenge Cup 5th round clash against the East Yorkshire side.

Priced at £10 for adults and £7 for juniors, the bus departs from the Cocked Hat at Noon. To book, a non-refundable deposit must be paid in advance and travellers should contact Denise Turton on 0114 261 0326 to book.

Sheffield Eagles still have limited availability on their supporters bus to Hull Kingston Rovers for the Carnegie Challenge Cup 5th round clash against the East Yorkshire side.

Priced at £10 for adults and £7 for juniors, the bus departs from the Cocked Hat at Noon. To book, a non-refundable deposit must be paid in advance and travellers should contact Denise Turton on 0114 261 0326 to book.

Widnes Vikings are just the team Sheffield Eagles need to face to end their dismal run of results. The Championship's second-placed side come to Don Valley as big favourites but that doesn't worry Eagles coach Mark Aston as his team bid to end a four-match losing run.

"When you are on a losing run you either want to face a good team to fetch you back up to speed or play a poor team that you should beat," he said. "We've got to face a good team in Widnes and we've got to perform. We need a massive performance and I know the fans are getting a bit frustrated that we're not winning but stick with us. This is a good squad and the attitude is positive."

The Eagles can look back on their first-half performance at Widnes last month when they led 16-8 before the Vikings' full-timers came back to win 28-20.Aston says that shows his squad have the ability to match the best - but it also highlighted what has often been the Eagles failing this season.

"The frustrating thing is that we are not going on and doing the 80-minutes thing and winning," said Aston. "The squad believe in themselves and have the confidence that they will get better and when we can string 80 minutes of quality play we can beat any team - let's hope it's against Widnes on Sunday. It's a game you want to play there is no better way to turn things round than with a good performance and a result against one of the favourites to take this league."

Injury rules out back row forward Ged Corcoran and half-back Gavin Brown is struggling with a calf strain.On the positive side Fijian international Aaron Groom is looking match sharp and has scored two tries in three games. Former Doncaster half-back Kyle Wood should be available again after a groin strain.

The Vikings' attacking flair comes from scrum-half James Webster and hooker Mark Smith building on a strong, mobile pack. In fullback Scott Yates they have a goal-kicker who can rival the Eagles' Jonny Woodcock. Widnes outclassed strugglers Batley 40-18 at the weekend and coach Paul Cullen has the luxury of a number of top players, including former Bradford Bulls and Warrington centre Toa Kohe-Love, bidding to return after injury.

Sunday's game at Don Valley kicks off at the slightly later time of 4pm because of the Sheffield Half-Marathon earlier in the day.

Fijian international Aaron Groom is being backed to add the spark that can lift Sheffield Eagles out of a sluggish start to the league season. Coach Mark Aston is confident the scrum-half will come through a hectic introduction to the British game, which has seen him on the losing side in each of his first three games.

"Aaron is playing 80 minutes now and against Gateshead he set off like a house on fire but then faded," said Aston. "That's to be expected because he hasn't played since the World Cup in November and he didn't have a great pre-season because he was training on his own in Australia. But he's back in a club environment and showing some of the qualities we expected from him. He will only get better."

Groom will be in the firing line again when title-chasing Widnes Viking come to Don Valley on Sunday. His signing from top Australian club Canterbury Bulldogs was one of the highest-profile by a club outside the Super League. Delays in getting a UK entry visa meant Groom has had only a couple weeks to become part of Eagles' set up.

Aston is set to give Groom his second start against Widnes and says: "Aaron wouldn't have played in the NRL and the World Cup semi-finals if he wasn't a good player. He'll be dangerous and give sides something to worry about. He showed at Gateshead when he scored the first try that if teams don't commit themselves he's gone and under the sticks for a try. He's getting on well with the lads and as gets used to the way we play we'll see more from Aaron. The more he plays the more he will deliver. He's the type of player who can handle the expectations."

HALF-BACK Gavin Brown is struggling to make it a hat-trick of comeback games for Sheffield Eagles. He returned to the team at Featherstone on Easter Monday and kept his place for the trip to Gateshead Thunder three days later.

"Gavin has got a tweak on his calf - probably two games in a week at this time is a bit too much for him," said coach Mark Aston.

Brown has given the team organisation from hooker or scrum-half since his return after missing all last season with an injury that finally needed knee surgery. Those qualities are likely to be needed as the Eagles seek to end a four-match losing run in the Championship against Widnes Vikings at Don Valley on Sunday (kick-off 4pm).

Aston is likely to start the game with Fijian Groom at scrum-half but should be able to bring in former Doncaster playmaker Kyle Wood into the 17 for Brown.

Aston said: "Kyle hopefully will be available for selection - he's been struggling."

Sheffield Eagles' fixtures against Cumbrian sides Whitehaven and Barrow have now been confirmed after they remained "TBC" when the fixture list was published.

The Eagles will host Whitehaven on Saturday 13th June with a 12.00pm kick off and will make the return journey. The home game against Barrow will take place on Sunday 6th September with a 3pm kick off, whilst the Eagles visit to Barrow will take place on Saturday 30th May, 6.30pm kick off.

In addition to these changes, the club would also like to remind all supporters that the home game against Featherstone on Friday 8th May has been postponed as the Eagles will face Hull Kingston Rovers in the Carnegie Challenge Cup on Sunday 10th May at Craven Park. A date for the Featherstone game will be released in due course.

For the full fixture list, click here

Sheffield Eagles celebrate 25 years in business this year and are asking fans to provide their memories and insights from the club's history for a brochure celebrating the anniversary.

The special publication marking the milestone will contain as many contributions from fans as possible.

Explain in no more than 50 words, what Sheffield Eagles means to you or relive a special memory associated with the club and include your name as this will also appear in the publication.

Send in your contributions to simon.proctor@sheffieldeagles.com

SHEFFIELD Eagles will attempt to 'bin' the South Yorkshire defeat by Doncaster as they bid to rescue their Easter programme. A tough game at Featherstone Rovers on Monday is followed three days later by a trip to Gateshead Thunder live on Sky Sport. Eagles captain Jack Howieson is determined the team will fight back after the 23-22 defeat by Doncaster.

"Featherstone is a massive game," he said. "When we looked at the Easter fixtures we thought we could get three wins out of three - not now, but we'll go for two out of three. We'll bin the Doncaster game and look at the next two games."

The Doncaster loss was the Eagles' second at home in the Championship and the losing 'bonus' point was poor consolation. Again they failed to control a game after taking the lead and Doncaster won with a late drop goal from Paul Handforth.

Howieson said: "The team are very disappointed. The first ten minutes it seemed every thing went against us - we let in two tries but we came back pretty well."

Coach Mark Aston ordered the squad in for extra training on Good Friday and Saturday.

Sheffield Eagles' Carnegie Challenge Cup 5th Round encounter with Hull Kingston Rovers has been confirmed for Sunday 10th May, 3pm Kick Off at New Craven Park.

"We will confirm full ticketing details for this fixture in due course" said an Eagles Spokesperson. "As this is a shared gate, we'll be encouraging as many Eagles fans as possible to make the trip to Hull and support the Eagles in what will be an exciting challenge against one of Rugby League's most famous clubs."

MARK Aston is planning to give Aaron Groom a Sheffield Eagles debut in the South Yorkshire derby against Doncaster. Illness forced the Fijian international to be left out of the squad for the Challenge Cup win over Dewsbury Rams. Groom's name is already pencilled in on the squad sheet for Doncaster's visit to Don Valley, on Thursday night for the live Sky TV game, (6pm.)

Eagles coach Aston said: "Aaron's exciting and has a bit of flair. He was sat next to me during the Dewsbury game and talking and keen and wanted to play. We want to get Aaron out there playing. He arrived on Tuesday and wanted to train but was taken ill. He was sick and had diarrhoea. He couldn't train the next day so we decided not to rush him."

Groom's arrival sets up a massive battle for the scrum-half role with former Doncaster playmaker Kyle Wood. Wood has been one of the standout players in recent games and scored a key try and had a hand in two others in the 28-18 win over Dewsbury. Groom, who played in the top flight of the Australian game for Canterbury Bulldogs, is set to start on the bench against Doncaster.

Aston said: "Kyle has been doing well and was strong against Dewsbury. Aaron will certainly add to the squad."

Coach Mark Aston has welcomed the chance fort the Eagles to face Super League side Hull KR in the fifth round of the Carnegie Challenge Cup.

“We wanted a Super League side and we’ve got one – that’s what I’m sure the players wanted and the fans,” he said. “It’s great for our fans and the players that we’ll be playing a Super League team. Hull KR are going well and will be a big challenge for us but maybe cause an upset.”

Aston added: “The lads really battled to win through in the last round against Dewsbury and they’ve earned the chance to test themselves against a top team.”

The game will be played on the weekend of 9-10 May. It will be a special game for Menzie Yere who will be looking forward to facing rugby league legend and fellow Papua New Guinea international Stanley Gene.

Aston added: “It’ll be a great experience for Menzie to be playing against Stanley in a Challenge Cup game. He certainly won’t need motivating.”

Hull KR won promotion to the Super League in 2006 are currently in sixth place in the league.
The East Hull side won the Challenge Cup in 1980 defeating local rivals Hull FC 10-5.

Full fixture details will be released in due course.

Carnegie Challenge Cup fifth-round draw:

Gateshead v Oldham
Batley v Salford
Castleford v Halifax
Featherstone v Warrington
St Helens v Catalans Dragons
Huddersfield v Rochdale
Hull KR v Sheffield
Wakefield v Wigan

THE arrival of Aaron Groom has set up a massive battle for the half-back places at Sheffield Eagles. The Fijian international could make his debut from the bench in the fourth round Challenge Cup clash against Dewsbury Rams at Don Valley tomorrow night. He'll be targeting the scrum-half role where former Doncaster half-back Kyle Wood has been holding the shirt so far this season. Wood has managed to hold off the challenge of another pre-season signing Matty Brooks. Waiting his chance is also the experienced Gavin Brown who was due to play his first game for 15 months for the reserves tonight.

"Competition is stepping up and now we've Aaron it's added a bit extra" said coach Mark Aston. "We haven't been able to pick from the full sq