Eagles celebrate memorable 2026 season at Presentation Evening

12/09/2026

Sheffield Eagles came together last night to celebrate the 2026 season at the Club’s annual Presentation Evening, this year held at Aston Hall Hotel.

Hosted by sports presenter and broadcaster Ross Fiddes, the evening provided an opportunity to look back on another busy and memorable year for the Eagles, while recognising the people who have made an important contribution both on and off the field.

There were plenty of familiar faces collecting silverware throughout the evening, along with some special moments as the Club celebrated its volunteers, international representatives and those who have helped shape the history of Sheffield Eagles.

Among the early awards, Mark Ward was named Club Volunteer of the Year, while Dean Crossland was recognised as Club Personality of the Year, two individuals who played big parts with the running of our LDRL team.

Long-serving volunteers Denise Turton and Steve Tyler were also recognised for their years of service to the Club. Both have given countless hours to Sheffield Eagles over many years, with Denise particularly well known to supporters for her fundraising efforts on matchdays, while Steve has played an important role in both matchday operations and the Club’s Golf Days.

Both of them will be stepping down as volunteers at the end of this season, and we thank them both for their continued years of service and dedication to Sheffield Eagles.

There was also a particularly poignant moment as John Kear was inducted into the Sheffield Eagles Roll of Honour.

Kear, who sadly passed away earlier this year, joined the Eagles in 1997 and, just a year later, led the Club to its unforgettable 17-8 Challenge Cup Final victory over Wigan Warriors at Wembley.

That famous afternoon remains one of the greatest moments in the Club’s history, and Kear’s influence extended well beyond the events of 1998. Former captain Paul Broadbent, who played under Kear and captained the Eagles at Wembley, accepted the award on behalf of John’s family.

The Club also took the opportunity to celebrate its international representatives, with Favour Irimagha, Rachel Iliya, Chevelle Clarke, Billy Walkley, Sid Ramsey and Luis Domingos all recognised for representing their countries across the last twelve months.

The first major player award of the evening, which was presented after dinner, went to Connor Bower, who was crowned Supporters’ Player of the Year.

The award was dedicated in memory of Ely Fearnley, a much-loved young Eagles supporter who sadly passed away in 2024. The Presentation Evening fell on what would have been Ely’s sixth birthday, making the moment particularly special.

For the Men’s team, Billy Walkley was named Shooting Star following an excellent first full season in Sheffield. The winger has scored 26 tries in 26 appearances so far this season.

It was George Griffin, however, who enjoyed the standout individual evening.

After an impressive first campaign with the Eagles following his move from Castleford Tigers, Griffin was voted the Men’s Players’ Player of the Year by his teammates before also being crowned Men’s Player of the Year.

Griffin reached the landmark of 300 career appearances during the season and has scored 10 tries, a new career best, making his double recognition a fitting reward for his contribution throughout the year.

The evening also saw the introduction of the Club’s new Try of the Season award, giving supporters the chance to choose their favourite effort from 10 nominations.

After the votes were counted, Billy Walkley’s try against Oldham RLFC (Try E) was crowned the first Sheffield Eagles Try of the Season winner/

For the Women’s team, Eva Green was named Shooting Star after making an impressive start to life with the Eagles following her mid-season move from Leeds Rhinos.

Liliana Ciaraolo was recognised as the Women’s Most Improved Player after a remarkable first season in rugby. Having only taken up the sport after joining the Eagles, Liliana’s development throughout the year earned her the award.

There was a double celebration for Kayleigh West, who was named both Women’s Players’ Player of the Year and Women’s Player of the Year.

West, another new arrival at the Club in 2026, enjoyed an excellent first season with the Eagles and was rewarded with recognition from both her teammates and the coaching staff.

The Wheelchair team also had plenty to celebrate, with Aiden Walker named Shooting Star and Chris Sharman taking home the Most Improved Player award.

Luis Domingos was voted Wheelchair Players’ Player of the Year after a hugely impressive first season in the Betfred Wheelchair Super League. Domingos finished the campaign as the team’s leading try scorer with 30 tries.

There was also another back-to-back winner as Andy Clare retained the Wheelchair Reserves Player of the Year award.

Chris Haynes was named Super League Wheelchair Player of the Year, adding another accolade to an outstanding period with the Eagles. Haynes has now been recognised as a Player of the Year for four consecutive years and continues to play an important role both for the Club and on the international stage as he remains in contention, alongside Domingos, to feature for England at this year's World Cup in Australia.

Away from the three senior sides, the Club also celebrated its PDRL and LDRL teams.

Ben Roebuck retained the PDRL Player of the Year award for a second consecutive year, while the LDRL squad were recognised for another fantastic season which saw them travel to festivals across Yorkshire and enjoy the opportunity to play at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium during Magic Weekend. Alongside their coaches, they all received individual trophies on stage, presented by official team sponsor, Stride.

The evening was a fitting celebration of everyone who has contributed to Sheffield Eagles during 2026, from the players and coaching staff to the volunteers, sponsors and supporters who continue to make the Club what it is.

With the awards now handed out, the focus turns back to the field, with the Men’s team continuing its playoff campaign, who head to Barrow Raiders tomorrow afternoon in the Betfred Championship Playoff Elimination Final (3pm KO).

Congratulations to all of our 2026 award winners, and a huge thank you to everyone who has played their part in another memorable year for Sheffield Eagles.