Still work to do despite Bradford win says Guzdek

10/04/2021

Despite a 50-12 victory over Bradford Bulls to start the league season, Sheffield Eagles full-back Josh Guzdek admits the squad still need to fine-tune several parts of their game.

Guzdek has been a pivotal figure in the club’s style of play since joining from Dewsbury Rams in 2019 and he is enjoying the Eagles’ expansive style. 

He also credited the forwards for their dominant display which allowed the backs to flourish and make inroads into Bradford territory. 

“It was good to get the win and we needed to build that confidence after the York game,” said Guzdek. 

“We were still a bit rusty with a couple of bits to work on but the effort was there from the boys and it was a great win all round.

“It was a confidence boost to know what we we’ve been doing in pre-season is working. 

“The forwards won the floor and our defence massively improved. 

“We made some good metres from deep in our own half which helped us put some shapes together for the backs to finish the moves.

“We were clinical in their 20. There were plenty of positives from our point of view but we’ve still got a lot to fine-tune.

“It’s the start of the year and we’ve got plenty of time to get those things right.”

One of the hallmarks of Sheffield’s fearless play has been the link-up between Guzdek and wingers Rob Worrincy and Ryan Millar when playing from deep in their own half. 

It may seem off-the-cuff to some teams but it’s something the Eagles coaching staff are encouraging when the time is right. 

“They have encouraged us to throw the ball around and for the back seven to work together,” Guzdek added.

“We want to play some good rugby, move the middles around, but it does depend on who we play. 

“It’s great to know we have that in the locker and we showed it last weekend.”

By Dan Fowler, photo by Alex Coleman