Batley prop Dickinson signs for Sheffield

10/10/2020

Sheffield Eagles have signed Batley Bulldogs prop Tyler Dickinson on a one-year deal.

Dickinson came through the Huddersfield Giants system and has had game time in the top tier before dropping down to the Championship permanently with Batley.

For a 24-year-old, Dickinson has had plentiful experience with loan spells at multiple clubs and Mark Aston is looking forward to seeing the front-rower compete for a spot in the Eagles match day squad.

Aston said: “He has played 20-odd Super League games so he has the potential,”

“He may have lost his way for whatever reason but the opportunity we have to work with Tyler, after meeting him and finding what he’s about, is something that appeals to me.

“He could be a revelation for us. When some of our more experienced forwards decide to retire, it’s players like Tyler that need to move on to the next level and become senior players.”

Commenting on his move to the Steel City, Dickinson added: “I am buzzing to be signing for the Eagles,”

“I’ve not had the best couple of years, even when I was playing Super League with Huddersfield, and also not winning consistently.

“I wanted to come to a successful club that has a proven winning record.“

Dickinson is aware of the competition he’ll have to fend off to get a place in the Eagles pack and that is something he is going to relish.

“I have played against Sheffield a few times and always had a good battle against them,” he said.

“It’ll be good to be on the same side.

“With experienced blokes like Scott Wheeldon in the squad, I am looking forward to learning from those sort of players and getting back to how I used to be.

“The competition will bring the best out of me, that is for sure.”

Dickinson said Aston tried to bring him to Sheffield after leaving Huddersfield but the prop opted to stay local and went to Batley.

With his contact up at the Bulldogs, Aston came back once again and this time Dickinson thought the time was right to make the move.

“He has asked a couple of times now, first when I left the Giants and now this year too.

“It’s always been the travel that has deterred me from it but sometimes you have to get out of your comfort zone to get what you want.

“I’ve always been interested due to the record of the team and how Tubbs is as a coach.

“I am best mates with Oliver Roberts, who has played for the Eagles before and Ireland under Tubbs, and he said he is a cracking coach who’ll get the best out of me.

“My thoughts when he asked again were of excitement, and hopefully I can get the best out of myself as well as enjoy a bit of success.”

By Dan Fowler