Sheffield Eagles: Nothing will change in hunt for new players

Sheffield Eagles director of rugby Mark Aston says nothing has changed as he continues his search to add new faces to his squad.
Mark AstonMark Aston
Mark Aston

Aston promised to delve into the market after the double defeat to Featherstone and Dewsbury over Easter.

He did not add any new faces prior to last weekend’s sensational victory over Bradford Bulls, but despite their upturn in fortunes Aston is headstrong in his desire to bolster his Eagles ranks.

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“Nothing has changed, definitely not,” Aston told The Star in light of the victory at Odsal Stadium.

“At the end of the day, we are still talking to people and trying to bring players in. I’m not sure where I am going to get a team from for next week. There were people busted after last week.”

The Eagles’ cause wasn’t helped with a raft of injuries sustained at Bradford. Aston will be keeping a close eye over the likes of Garry Lo, Menzie Yere, Scott Wheeldon and Keal Carlile who have all spent time in the treatment room over recent weeks.

Prior to the victory over Bradford, Aston admitted that he was close to bringing in some fresh faces, but with only two days before the Eagles next Kingstone Press Championship fixture at Oldham, the Eagles chief is still looking to get deals over the line.

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“Menzie Yere didn’t get to 80 minutes last week, the same for a few others,” the 48-year-old added.

“We need all hands on deck at this moment. We have a big game next week at Oldham and need to build some momentum and confidence. When I left the boys in the changing rooms last week, and I said please sing your winning song. I have forgotten what it sounded like. They sung their song and we have a smile on our faces again.

“There is still definitely the opportunity to look at some people to bring them in. (Prior to Bradford) It was just finalising deals realistically, so we remain optimistic. Fingers crossed.”

The Eagles travel to newly-promoted Oldham knowing they will be in for another tough examination. The Roughyeds almost upstaged the Eagles stunning result at Bradford by turning over early pace-setters Batley, which was only their second league victory over the season.

The match will see Eagles duo Adam Neal and George Tyson return to their former club for the first time after departing for the Eagles during the close season.