MDJ to the Red and Golds

11/10/2022

Sheffield Eagles are thrilled to announce Bradford Bulls winger Matty Dawson-Jones has signed for the club on a two-year deal. 

With plentiful experience in Super League and the Championship, outside back Dawson-Jones is the second new signing to date for the Eagles as he joins Lewis Peachey through the door of the Olympic Legacy Park.

The 32-year-old scored six tries in 24 appearances for the Bulls last year, in what he described as a “turbulent” campaign. 

“I am over the moon to be fair,” he said shortly after signing for the Eagles. 

“It came towards the end of the year and I started talking with Tubbs. 

“I’ve played against Sheffield a lot of times in the Championship and I’ve always admired the way they play and that’s what he spoke to me about. 

"He told me how he wants us to play and I’m looking forward to being a part of that.” 

On why now is the right time to make the switch from West Yorkshire to South Yorkshire, Dawson-Jones added: “I think I was ready for a fresh start, a new chapter and hopefully I can hit the ground running next season,” 

“It has been a bit turbulent (at Bradford this year).  

"Obviously losing John (Kear, ex-coach) was a bit of a spanner in the works for us as a team and the club as a whole. We needed to rebuild and do it quickly. 

“Mark (Dunning) did a good job from my point of view but the results towards the back end of the season didn’t show that and we spiralled out of control a bit.” 

When asked about the exciting times that await the Eagles, off the back of moving into the OLP, Dawson-Jones said he didn’t need to be convinced by Aston as he knows all about the atmosphere after playing for Bradford last term. 

“It’s not just from Tubbs pitching it to me because I can see it myself,”

“Playing at the new ground for Bradford, you can see they’re going in the right direction and they’ve always been a club that have been there or thereabouts. 

“I want to help them make that next step and push them on even further.” 

Discussing his second new recruit, Aston added: “Matty is exactly the sort of person and player we want to be at Sheffield Eagles,” 

“He has been around the game for a long time but still has so much to offer. 

“We will have a good mix of youth and experience at the club once again and Matty will be key for a number of lads as they make their way in the game. 

“We’ll have a competitive squad which Matty adds perfectly to.” 

By Dan Fowler, graphic by Alex Coleman