Sheffield Eagles: Ben likely to be out for Toulouse clash

Blackmore was aabsent from the squad as the Eagles were taken to task by Featherstone and a troublesome knee problem is again set to block a return for Mark Aston’s side.

He is joined by Jon Magrin in the treatment room. Aston said: “I think Ben will struggle again this weekend. He is carrying a knee injury that doesn’t seem to be clearing up so I am not hopeful. The physio reckons that it isn’t anything too serious but Ben feels that it isn’t right. We are hoping to get him to see someone just to confirm what the physio is saying so he can crack on.” Magrin won’t be fit but Josh Toole has a chance after suffering from concussion.

Dual-registration regulars Matty Lees and Jack Ashworth have been included in the match day squad as St Helens take on Wakefield tonight.

Aston also says he plans to have discussions with half-back Simon Brown after he was dropped from the squad for being late last Saturday.

Toulouse will be big favourites but Aston says it is the perfect test of his side’s character after the disappointment of their latest home defeat to Featherstone.

“We are playing the top three. Featherstone was tough, Toulouse are going well, Toronto are at the top and we have them next” he added.

“It doesn’t get any more difficult than that but it is about our character.

“It is about us individually and collectively putting our best foot forward and performing. That’s what you are looking for in these games, you look for the big players to stand up and take control to make sure they come off with the plaudits.

“That’s what we are looking for.

“Can we win? Of course we can, I always believe that we can. We beat Toulouse in Wakefield last season but we know that we have to be very good.”