The Roberts-Aston Reunion

07/11/2022

Sheffield Eagles have signed Newcastle Thunder back-rower Oliver Roberts on a three-year deal. 

Previously playing under the stewardship of Director of Rugby Mark Aston for Ireland, Roberts comes to South Yorkshire with high hopes of a successful stint. 

Aston is keen to get Roberts’ “career back on track” and to ignite the form he showed when starring for the Wolfhounds at the 2017 World Cup. 

“He had interest from Super League and NRL clubs after the 2017 World Cup,” Aston reflected. 

“This is the calibre of player we’re speaking about here. 

"He hasn’t had the best time of it at Newcastle and we want to spark him back to life and get his career back on track. 

“We have decided to give him a multi-year contract as we know he has what it takes to really make an impact in this division for a prolonged period. 

“We have a father-son sort of relationship, which stretches back to my time as Ireland coach. He’s a top bloke and one that will become a fan favourite at the OLP.” 

Roberts is delighted to be reunited with Aston, adding: “I am really happy,” 

“I played for Tubby in the World Cup and we’d always have a call once a month about rugby and life in general. 

“I always had a laugh and a joke with him that before I retired, I’d play for him again and now the time has come. 

“He calls me his son, so much so that it goes me then Cory! 

“He’s tough on me, he gives me the home truths that sometimes you don’t want to hear. 

“He is a realistic person, he’s a good guy. 

"I like where the club is going, especially with the team they’ve recruited. It’s a team to be reckoned with. 

“The staff they’ve got are good people and I have good mates there, like Tyler Dickinson, that have only said good things and that’s enough for me.” 

By Dan Fowler, graphic by Alex Coleman