Aston recaps injury list

03/07/2021

Ahead of tomorrow's fixture against Dewsbury Rams at the Tetley’s Stadium, Sheffield Eagles Director of Rugby has given an update on his side’s injury list.  

Aston has handed debuts to youngsters Max Clarke and Travis Corion in recent weeks, while Jordan Bull and Chris Ball have also enjoyed game time. 

A bigger squad, and the depth that brings with it, has been ideal for Aston but the all important competition for places will be ramped up shortly, with the return of some experienced figures.

“Faz (Joel Farrell) could have squeezed in against Toulouse but we gave him another week to be right,” said Aston. 

“He should be fit to play and he’ll definitely be in the 21. 

“It’ll be great to get him back as he is a large personality, he adds fire and steel into the squad. It’s great news for us.

“(James) Glover was the same as Faz for Toulouse. 

“We didn’t want to risk his ankle but fingers crossed he’ll be fit and ready to go for Sunday.” 

Aston revealed that Blake Broadbent suffered a hairline fracture in his jaw against Toulouse and he’ll have four to six weeks on the sideline. 

The Eagles chief also mentioned the absence of Josh Guzdek and Ryan Johnson, two players who have held the full-back berth throughout 2021 up until a few weeks ago. 

“Guzzy is a couple of weeks away,” he added.

“He’s back training with the squad and he isn’t far off. He has had a rough time over the past month or so. 

“Ryan Johnson was out with his shoulder and he’s now back in training too

Frankie Mariano may be around a month away from a return, which includes the week break for the Challenge Cup and 1895 Cup Finals. 

As for Brad Knowles, the Eagles forward was helped from the field against Halifax with a neck injury which he had a scan for at hospital. 

Aston isn’t surprised that he wants to make a swift return and he explained Knowles’s situation: “Brad is back training and doing the things he likes to do,” 

“You’d never rule Brad out from anything other than a speedy recovery but it’s very difficult for me to put a time on it.

“He was back running last week and he’s back into a little bit more this week. 

“Knowing Brad, he’d put his hand up to play ASAP. He’s tough on himself and wants to help the boys out.”

By Dan Fowler, photo by Alex Coleman