Izaac Farrell extends Sheffield stint

09/10/2022

Sheffield Eagles are delighted to confirm the re-signing of Izaac Farrell on a one-year deal.

The stand-off will enter his third season with the South Yorkshire club following his arrival in 2020.

The 24-year-old made 20 appearances in the Red and Gold this term and registered 136 points for the Eagles before his season ended prematurely due to an ACL injury.

“I’m very happy to be staying at Sheffield for another year, it feels like home for me, and this is where I feel most comfortable,'' said Farrell after signing his new contract.

The Jamaican international is feeling positive as he looks ahead to returning to action with the Eagles in 2023, following the injury he suffered against London Broncos in round 17.

After confirming an initial estimated return date of June, Farrell commented: “It’s going to be a long road ahead, but I’m up for the challenge of it. It’s one of the toughest things that I’ll have to go through in my career."

The former Huddersfield Giants junior credited Eagles Assistant Coach Simon Brown when asked about his improvement from the start of the season after a self-assessed “rocky” start to 2022.

“Simon Brown gave me a lot of confidence when he came in and I felt like a totally different player from the Workington away game,” he said.

“I was playing with more confidence and I was having fun. I feel like this year has been the best rugby that I have played.”

One of Farrell’s best performances of the season came in Sheffield’s homecoming victory over Widnes Vikings, as he capped off a stellar performance with a hot-stepping try.

The half-back spoke positively about the club’s return to the Olympic Legacy Park and what effect it has had on him and the rest of the playing group.

“The new stadium is here and you can feel a real buzz around the place,”

“When we play at home all the fans are right behind us and it gives us boys a boost on the pitch. 

“When we first got into the changing rooms and saw how good the set-up was, it made everyone feel a bit more confident. 

“As soon as I went onto the pitch I felt a whole new birth of energy. I’m looking forward to feeling that atmosphere again.”

Speaking ahead of the 2023 season, the stand-off concluded: “As soon as we couldn’t get into the play-offs this year, we wanted to finish seventh,”

“Next year, it’s going to be tough but I don’t see a reason why we can’t get into that top six. We’re definitely a good enough side to do it, so I think that’ll be the aim for us.”

Sheffield’s Director of Rugby Mark Aston added: “We need playmakers to lead us around the pitch and slowly but surely, Izaac is gaining the confidence to do just that,” 

“It is a great situation for us to be in when you think who his half-back partner is!

“Izaac’s try at the OLP homecoming will live long in the memory. 

“It’s a shame that he won’t be alongside his brother at this year’s World Cup but he is made of stern stuff, he’ll be focused on his recovery and getting back to full fitness.

“Since he signed for us in 2020, we have had tough conversations along the way and he’s probably strongly disliked me at times. We’ve got through it, just about!

“In all seriousness, it’s great to have Izaac back next year. 

“The sky is the limit for him and working with Simon Brown and Anthony Thackeray will help him reach that potential.”

By Lewis Coleman, graphic by Alex Coleman