Debut delight for Adlard

20/04/2021

Mike Adlard was pleased to have made his Sheffield Eagles debut in a winning performance as the Steel City outfit triumphed 14-20 over York City Knights on Sunday.

Adlard started at full-back, with usual number one Josh Guzdek moving to centre in place of Ryan Johnson. 

The ex-Hull FC utility was grateful to have made his debut in just the second league game of 2021.

“It’s good to have made my debut, especially so soon in the season, but I know that is due to a couple of injuries to the boys,” Adlard said.

“It was great to get out there and be part of the team that got the win after York beat us in the Challenge Cup last month.”

The Eagles’ expansive style of play was on show against the Knights and this was something that Adlard adapted to seamlessly. 

The full-back also praised the influence of wingers Rob Worrincy and Ryan Millar, who had given him pieces of advice in the lead-up to the match and at half-time. 

"It benefits me a lot that we can play that kind of rugby, instead of just running it in down the middle,” he added.

“It complements my play style as I want to be going out wide, picking on the outside players rather than the big boys in the middle. 

“I spoke to both Rob and Ryan before the game and at half-time and they informed me what I’d been doing well but where I can improve. 

“They also told me how I can use them both within the game too, which was a massive help because it was my first time back in rugby league for quite a while. 

“Having that guidance was good from both of them.” 

By Dan Fowler, photo by Alex Coleman