Mariano commits to Sheffield for 2021

09/09/2020

Experienced forward Frankie Mariano will stay with Sheffield Eagles for 2021 after signing a one-year contract.

Mariano signed for the Eagles ahead of the 2020 season but with that campaign ending due to COVID-19, Mark Aston wanted the Scottish International to stay on board.

With a World Cup on the horizon next year, Mariano is aiming to make the Scotland squad and Aston is hoping that will mean only good news for the Eagles.

He said: “I love Frankie to bits and we haven’t seen the best out of him just yet,”

“I know the quality of the player matches the quality of the bloke and we need him to get an injury-free run so he gets that consistency.

“If he gets a massive pre-season, he’ll have a great impact on our squad.

“We spoke quite honestly when we agreed the deal that we have a big pack and we need a stellar season from him.

He also has aspirations for the World Cup with Scotland so the cue is not on the rack, he wants to impress and he’ll get the chance to do that.”

Mariano added: “I was happy to get the call from Tubbs so we could get something sorted for 2021,”

“Nobody wanted the season to end in the way it did and it was frustrating for us as we did start to pick up some good results.

“All we can do now is continue that on into next season.”

The ex-Super League forward is looking forward to competing for a spot in the team as he goes up against a mix of experienced and youthful forwards.

“It’s always good to have that competition as it keeps everyone on their toes,” he said.

“The young lads coming through have been doing a good job so they’ll keep us old men occupied for sure.

“It’s a physical spot so there will be knocks and niggles as the season goes on so to have that strength in depth certainly helps.”