Sheffield swoop for Sheils

09/11/2021

 Sheffield Eagles are delighted to announce the signing of Ben Sheils on a one-year deal.

The winger joins the Eagles after spending two seasons with Leeds Rhinos’ academy side.

The 18-year old has explained how pleased he is to sign for the South Yorkshire side.

“I’m excited. It's still crazy to think about, it’s a good opportunity for someone my age, it’s a good chance for me to improve my skills and develop.

“I’m glad that I have been given the opportunity, I’m pleased that Mark trusts that I’ll be able to do the job, '' Sheils added.

The former England Community Lions international enters his first season of senior rugby league with the Eagles in 2022 and is expecting the standard to be at an improved level in respect to academy rugby.

He said: “I’m expecting a lot more physicality, it’s going to be a big step up from what I’m used to but I am looking forward to it.

Sheils is the latest talented youngster to sign for the club and the former Saddleworth Rangers man is looking forward to working with the Sheffield coaching team in 2022.

“It’s a good opportunity to develop under new coaches and to learn skills from other people.

“I’m really excited to get some knowledge and to get more experience under my belt and to develop as a player.

Shiels explained his excitement ahead of his move to Sheffield which will see him play for the Eagles in as the club returns to the Olympic Legacy Park.

Speaking on the OLP, Sheils said: “I can’t wait, the new stadium is very exciting, it’ll be a great atmosphere with hopefully even more spectators in there.

Eagles Director of Rugby Mark Aston is pleased to bring Shiels to South Yorkshire for 2022 and spoke highly of the winger’s potential.

“Signing Ben is exciting for us, he is at Sheffield Hallam University for the next few years so will be based here,”

“He is a kid that has come out of the Leeds Rhinos system and the people that we know, Chev Walker, Jason Davidson, have given glowing reports.

“He is certainly one for the next few years.

“We’re always looking for diamonds, kids that can develop into Championship players.

“Everyone you talk to from Leeds about Ben says he has the potential to become a very good player.

By Lewis Coleman