Wheelchair squad named for Hull KR friendly

24/01/2024

Sheffield Eagles play their first game away of 2024 at Hull Kingston Rovers this coming Sunday in a pre-season friendly.

The Eagles played the Robins in their first ever 80 minutes game in June last year in Sheffield, a game in which the Eagles won 28-10.

Both sides will compete in the Championship East division this year, so the game will also be a benchmark for the season and the Eagles' fortunes.

That friendly saw the Eagles field a team made up using a high number of development players, but Sunday’s game will see Head Coach Greg Brown have a range of players available to choose from.

With several of 2023’s Championship regulars, Chris Haynes, David Butler, Jack Johnson, Ben Simpson, Joe Wink-Simmonds, April, Vicky and Will Brooks all available, the game will be a test for the hosts to see how far they have come in the last 7 months.

The game will also mark James Birchnall and Ben Wilson’s debuts for the Eagles. Birchnall played in a development festival last year for the Eagles and Wilson has joined the club over the winter season, with both players both very much falling in love with the appeal of Wheelchair Rugby League.

Elsewhere, Barry Grayson will play his second game and Julie Fimusanmi will continue her Wheelchair Rugby League journey, whilst Shaun Orton and Stacey Roulson, both of whom who played in the first ever Eagles Wheelchair game, are also available for selection, with Orton having missed several games in 2023 through illness.

Speaking ahead of this fixture, Head Coach Greg Brown said “I’m really looking forward to the new season, everyone has had a little break away and we can’t wait to get back out there on Sunday against Hull KR. 

“We’ve had two seasons and we showed really good progress in 2023, so hopefully we can have a good season and build on last year.

“It’ll be really nice to see the side back out there on Sunday afternoon and see where we are at ahead of the new season.”

The game will be played at Ennerdale Leisure Centre, kicking off at 11am.

Get down and support the Wheelchair side ahead of the Men’s game against Hull KR at Sewell Group Craven Park, which will be played later that day.

Eagles Wheelchair Squad to play Hull KR

James Birchnall – Available For Sponsorship

April Brooks – The Jagger Family

Vicky Brooks – The Jagger Family

Will Brooks – The Jagger Family

David Butler - Evogo

Julie Fimusanmi – Cpt LM Johnson RAF

Barry Grayson – Available For Sponsorship

Christopher Haynes – Horizon Roofing

Jack Johnson – Heaton Green Dust Control

Shaun Orton – St Albans Centurions Masters

Stacey Roulson - Evogo

Ben Simpson – Beam Dyslexia

Ben Wilson – Available For Sponsorship

Joe Wink-Simmonds – Addison Project PLC