Tyler Dickinson praises squad atmosphere ahead of season opener

10/01/2022

Sheffield Eagles prop forward Tyler Dickinson has been impressed with the new signings and how they have upped the standards of the whole squad during pre-season. 

Dickinson was the Eagles’ 2021 Player of the Year and he heads into this season after signing a new deal which will see him stay at the Olympic Legacy Park until the end of 2023. 

Discussing pre-season, the work that has gone in so far and how the signings have fitted in, Dickinson said: “It has been tough but enjoyable,” 

"We have 18 new lads in the squad so there has been plenty of getting to know everyone. They have all put in and they’re obviously here to work. 

“They’ve come in to make themselves better and to make the club better and you can see with how they have been training. 

“Mark has got his ideas and what he wants to bring out of the lads and everyone seems to be buying in, the new lads included. They have drove up our standards and hopefully we can carry that into the games.

“We have a good mix of youth and experience in the squad this year - that must be good for us to have, which also brings competition for places too.” 

Plenty is written across the division about new signings made by clubs and the impact they will have on respective clubs as the season goes on. 

Other than a couple of headline signings in Kris Welham and Ben Jones-Bishop, Dickinson feels Sheffield's recruitment has gone under the radar. 

“We have a lot of Super League experience with Bish and Kris Welham but there is also plenty of Championship experience, mainly in the pack,” he added.

“The likes of Liam Kirk, Martyn Reilly, Brandon Douglas have got that experience but we also have young lads that have been in Super League systems. 

“The mix of youth and experience brings a good culture to the club as well as competition for places which is what we need and want. 

“In that respect, Mark has gone about his business well and I don’t think we have made much noise about who we have signed other than Kris and Bish but they’re all solid.” 

By Dan Fowler, photo by Alex Coleman