Cory Comes Home

02/11/2022

Cory Aston has made a return to Sheffield Eagles on a three-year deal, following his departure from Halifax Panthers. 

The half-back is signing number nine for 2023 as Mark Aston looks to build on a respectable seventh-placed finish in this year’s Betfred Championship. 

Aston will be alongside Jack Hansen, Anthony Thackeray and Izaac Farrell as the club’s playmakers for the new season. 

Director of Rugby Mark Aston is happy to see Cory back at the club, saying: “We all know the history between Cory and the Eagles,” 

“He came through to the first team in 2013 and by 2015, he was playing regularly and alongside top quality operators in Dom Brambani, Pat Walker and Kyle Briggs. 

“He had a great spell back on loan here this year and we’re looking forward to seeing what he can bring to the table, as we do have fierce competition forming in the halves. 

That competition is something Cory is going to relish and he had complimentary words for his fellow half-backs. He commented: “100% the competition is good,” 

“I played with Thacks at Featherstone and a bit last year too. He’ll be looking for a big year as he brings his career to an end. 

“Izaac is a quality half-back too. He has a great kicking game and he’s brilliant on the run. 

“Having seen Jack play over the last few years, and also going up against him when he was at Swinton, he’s also got a lot of ability.

“It’ll be great for us all to train and play together, we’ll learn from each other and hopefully only get better.”

During 2022, Cory had a brief spell on loan with the Eagles which saw him bring up his 100th appearance for the club. 

Less than a week later, he was starring for Halifax against the Eagles with a Man of the Match performance for the West Yorkshire club. 

He admitted that was a rather challenging week: “I really enjoyed being back on loan, getting the chance to play at the OLP in front of the completed stand,” 

“A big highlight for me was playing my 100th Sheffield game. 

“Then, five days later, I had to go and play against them. That was a difficult week and I don’t know if I’ve been forgiven yet by the fans!”

Cory's train may have been delayed by 12 months but he finally made his way back to the OLP. Here's how he did it!

By Dan Fowler, graphic by Alex Coleman