ODDS AND ENDS

Eagles boss set to sign young hooker: EAGLES boss Mark Aston is set to sign a hooker who rejected the club last season.
The player chose to join a National League One club but is now available and wants to come to Sheffield. But with other clubs in the hunt, Aston won't name the player as negotiations go ahead. The signing will give Aston extra cover at hooker - with Aussie Scott Collins the only specialist number nine in the squad. Aston said: "I would hope to be fetch in somebody over the weekend. He's someone we chased a little while ago but went somewhere else. Now he's realised his error and wants to come here. "He's a hooker who was given the opportunity to join us from an amateur club but decided to go to a club in the division above us." Big performances by the youngster for an amateur club in the Challenge Cup put the player in the spotlight last season. Aston isn't worried that the player is joining the Eagles second time around. "When a good kid comes up you have got to get him - it doesn't matter how many players you have," he said."I tried to sign him 12 months ago, he decided to go to a First Division club, which made sense at that time. "He played a few games for the club and did well."
Sheffield Star - 25th November 2004
Eagles to go on Friday night shift SHEFFIELD Eagles hope the city's sports fans will start their weekend with a Friday night game of rugby league next year. The club will play all its home games at Don Valley Stadium on Fridays - almost all with an 8pm kick-off. Coach and chief executive Mark Aston believes it's a move that will be welcomed by the majority of supporters and sponsors. It will also end the 'fixture clashes' the Eagles have suffered in recent years with weekend events at the stadium. That led to games being switched and a variety of kick-off times. Aston said: "The proof is in the pudding. Last time we played two Friday night games we got bigger crowds. "We will hopefully attract more fans and corporately it will fit a lot better. Sponsors are committing to coming down straight from work, having a meal and then watching a game of rugby. "A lot of schools which bring groups of pupils to games, are happier because the teachers don't have to come out on a Sunday." The Eagles kick-off the 2005 season with a home clash with Dewsbury in the Northern Rail Cup, on Friday, February 11. Also in their group for the early season competition are South Yorkshire rivals Doncaster Dragons and another National One side Batley Bulldogs. The National League Two season starts with a home game against Blackpool Panthers, who have replaced Chorley, at Don Valley, on Friday, April 8. Aston doesn't see any problems in Friday night games for the club's squad of part-time players. "Most of the players will be happier playing Friday nights. They might be working until lunchtime and then go home and rest up. But it gives them the weekend off to be with their families."
Sheffield Star 9th December 2004
New forward set to boost 'Aussie' Eagles ANOTHER anglo-Aussie could be heading to Sheffield Eagles. Coach Mark Aston is in talks with a second-row forward who wants to switch to the British game, if he can get a work permit. Aston won't name the player for fear of alerting other clubs but is keen on adding extra cover to his squad. The loss of back-row forwards Jordan James, to Castleford, and Andy Raleigh, to Hull KR, has hit one of the strong areas of last season's team. "He plays in the Queensland Cup competition and should be quite useful," said Aston. "He's just trying to sort out a work permit and we'll take it from there." If the latest Australian can prove his British links he will join Anglos full-back John Crawford and hooker Scott Collins. Meanwhile, the release to the 2005 fixtures this week means that key back-rower Richard Goddard can start planning his season. Goddard has joined the Prison Service but wants to play as many games as possible for the Eagles. Now he will be matching his work rotas to the fixtures and targeting games he is available for. Meanwhile, Aston is reluctant to make any predictions about the way his remodelled squad will fair in the promotion race.
After a tough Northern Rail Cup series the Eagles face two of their main rivals in the first three games of the LHF Healthplan National Two. After a league opener against Blackpool Panthers - who have replaced Chorley - the Eagles must travel to York City Knights and then relegated Keighley Cougars visit Don Valley. Looking ahead, Aston said: "The league will be tougher than last year. "Dewsbury have strengthened their squad and Blackpool are confident. "We can't forget Swinton who have made a few signings. Keighley have come down after a year in the National One and will want to make an impact. "It's going to be tough for us but we are capable of improving on last season."
Sheffield Star: 11 December 2004
CASTLEFORD TIGERS will take on National Two outfit Sheffield Eagles in a pre-season game at the Jungle on Sunday, January 30.
Eagles coach Mark Aston said: "We're delighted to be playing against Cas again after all these years and grateful to them for agreeing to share the profits of the match with us. "We were disappointed when Jordan James left us to go to Cas, but to compensate we asked them for a friendly with a shared gate and we're delighted they have accepted."
Source: Leeds Today :15th December 2004
Eagles line up coaching "Dream Team"
SHEFFIELD Eagles are putting together a 'dream team' of coaches for the new season. Mark Aston has signed two of his former playing colleagues to boost the club's 2005 coaching line-up. Returning are former Great Britain forward star Dale Laughton and Chris Robinson, who was the club's first skipper after it was reborn in the 1999-2000 season. They will link-up again with head coach Aston and his coaches Howard Cartwright and Andy Tyers. As player-coach of Dudley Hill, Robinson masterminded the upset of last season's Challenge Cup when the Bradford amateurs defeated first division Keighley Cougars in the third round. The Eagles have since signed four of Dudley Hill's young players – brothers Ryan, Sean and Alex Dickinson and Liam Brentley. Aston said: "Chris has decided that he has gone as far as he can in the amateur game and wants to dip his feet in the professional game. He will be working with myself, Howard Cartwright and Andy Tyers on developing the kids we have at the club. One of his roles will be individual work with the half-backs. Chris is very enthusiastic and thinks along the same lines as I do about the way the game should be played. He's a great person and working with him will be a big bonus for us." Prop forward Laughton had two spells with the Eagles and was with Aston in the 1998 Eagles side that beat Wigan to lift the Challenge Cup. He will take over the conditioning role from Dean Thomas who is now coach of LHF Healthplan rivals Gateshead. Aston said: "Dale is coming back and getting involved on the conditioning. Throughout his career Dale was keen on this side of the game. He's done some boxing and built himself up into a big physical prop forward. It's a vital role at the club and Dale is very keen to help us."
www.sheffieldeagles.com - 16th December 2004

Eagles sign big Aussie all-action forward
SHEFFIELD Eagles fans have got a festive surprise heading their way in the shape of an all-action Australian prop forward. Big and ready to mix it is the way coach Mark Aston sees Damien Lynch who is set to arrive in the UK on Monday. The Aussie is just the type of player the Eagles have been searching for after losing star forwards Andy Raleigh and Jordan James in the close season. Aston said: "I've seen a video of Damien. He's a big-hitting prop forward. "He looks to dominate the opposition with his tackling and defence and looks like he will be a good acquisition. "He's arriving on Monday. We'll be looking at him." he 28-year-old prop promises the experience gained in the tough world of Australian league that the Eagles young squad needs. Aston added: "He's been playing for Townsville, in Queensland, under the coaching of Noel Goldthorpe, who a pretty useful player himself. "He could offer something we need."
Meanwhile the Eagles are set to make it a double signing with the Anglo-Aussie they have been talking with over recent weeks being revealed asJoseph Pitt. Back rower Pitt, who plays for South Logans in the Queensland Cup competition, arrives in mid-January for trials. But he comes strongly recommended by his cousin former Eagles star Jeff Wittenberg. Aston said: "It's all about giving people opportunities. Joseph holds a UK passport so won't count on the quota. "He's a kid who has a good work ethic and is ready to put himself out a bit."
Sheffield Star 23 December 2004
New recruits given early chance to shine
SHEFFIELD Eagles players have an extra incentive when they face Hillsborough Hawks tomorrow. Up for grabs is a place in the starting line-up against Castleford Tigers the following Sunday and putting down a marker for the new season. Coach Mark Aston warns fans not to read too much into the side that start against the Hawks in the Jon Bauer Memorial game. But the 'friendly' at Cas will be something different. "Sunday is a chance for the new players to have an early opportunity to fit in. It's also a chance for them to build up to the game at Castleford," said Aston "At the Hawks there won't be as much pressure on the squad but it's a chance for people to put their hat in the ring. "On Sunday it will be people who have trained well who will start - we'll give them the first opportunity. "But don't read too much into the starting line up or who is playing where. The Castleford game side will be more the way we are thinking for the start of the season." The Hawks clash is the first chance Eagles fans will have to see the winter new signings in action with all the squad promised at least 40 minutes game time. Prop forward Jack Howieson leads the side for the first time as team captain following Jon Bruce's retirement. Out to impress will be new signings John Crawford (from St George Illawarra), Chris Molyneux and Andy Rice (Batley Bulldogs), Jaymes Chapman (Halifax), Adrian Veamatahau (Coventry Bears), Peter Moore (Cardiff Devils) and Liam Brentley (Doncaster Dragons). Aussie trialist Joseph Pitt, aged 24, is expected to get a run out as he bids for a contract. Aston added: "It's always nice to see new players - it's always something the fans are rightly keen on. "I'll be interested to see how Chris Molyneux, Adrian Veamatahau and Jaymes Chapman go. "Andy Rice has been training the house down and has a point to prove. I want to see how Nick Turnbull goes in the back row. "There are quite a people who are going well in training and we want to run the rule over." Certain to start is John Crawford who the Eagles hope will replace try-scoring full-back Andy Poynter who is heading to Australia. Aston added: "John Crawford will get the first nod at full-back. But it's about seeing all the squad and how they go together - that's the main thing. I'll be standing back and enjoying the kids playing." The Jon Bauer Memorial game is at Hillsborough Hawks ground, Middlewood Road, Hillsborough, tomorrow, kick-off 2pm.
Sheffield Star:22 January 2005

Eagles new boys show signs of class

It took until the 7th minute before Irish international Carl de Chenu, who had been showing some real pace, dived over in the corner for the first Eagles try. The next score came after a strong run by Andy Rice set up a series of fast passes across the field for Sean Dickinson to score under the posts and for Gavin Brown to convert. Eagles were regularly guilty of laying on at a tackle, but it took until the 20th minute for the Hawks to be awarded their first penalty. Their 2nd followed shortly afterwards at the play of the ball and the Hawks decided to run the ball and Scott North almost scored. Eagles poor handling was letting the Hawks off of the hook until a break by new signing AJ Veamautua had Gavin Brown running in to score under the posts, which he also converted. Craig Brown completed Eagles scoring of the first half. The 2nd half started with the Hawks having to undergo a great deal of pressure which they contained for 10 minutes until Eagles new hooker Liam Brentley scored a dubious try close to the posts and the successful kicking duties were taken over by Sheffield born Aussie John Crawford. This try was followed shortly after by Crawford scoring and converting his first for the club.Hawks were not to be denied their moment of glory and with Eagles persistently making elementary handling errors and having a poor defence, Jon Nichols got club stalwart Dave Beever to go in for what turned out o be Hawks' only try. The Eagles kept the pressure up on the Hawks and the next try came from a move started was started by trialist Chris Fletcher who put Gav Brown in for his 2nd try under the posts, followed shortley by Breakingbury who went in on the left wing.Finally Scott Collins went in for the last try of the match, after Rob North had made another good drive up the centre of the field and Crawford completed the scoring with his 5th goal. The Jon Bauer Memorial Trophy for Player of the Match was awarded to Chris Plume of the Hawks.

Sheffield Journal Version Jan 2005

Eagles ready for tough 'rumble in The Jungle

'SHEFFIELD Eagles face what could be their toughest test of 2005 - before the season even starts. The trip to Castleford is officially a warm-up game but things will get hot in this 'rumble at The Jungle' - new name for the Tigers' home ground (3.30).Cas are in a mean mood after being relegated from Super League and Hunslet caught the backlash as they were savaged last weekend. Coach Mark Aston knows his young squad are in for a tough awayday. He said: "This weekend it will be a bit more intense. The quality of the opposition will be a lot better and it will help us judge where we are at. "I was delighted with some of the performances last Sunday (in the 50-4 win at Hillsborough Hawks) and I'm sure I'll be delighted with some aspects of the game at Castleford. "Cas will be disappointed that they were relegated from the Super League. They've brought in quality players and last weekend hammered Hunslet 62-10 so they mean business." The signings include back rower Jordan James who moved from Sheffield. There was no fee but the clubs will share Sunday's gate which is expected to top 3,000. Castleford's new Australian coach David Woods has kept experienced Brad Davis and Waine Pryce from the relegated squad but added Australian hooker Andrew Henderson and Cook Islands captain and prop Adam Watene. With promotion the target, the squad has stayed full-time. Aston added: "The big thing is that Castleford are full-time and when you have a full-time squad you can do so much more. "They have got to have the advantage. But it will be good for some of our players to test themselves."

Back to the future for kit

The Eagles are back in traditional red and gold for their home kit for the 2005 season with the away strip in blue and green - the city colours of Sheffield. The away kit is a tight-fitting version with a rounded neck - following the style of the England rugby union shirts. The kit will be 'on trial' with the squad and a similar style could be adopted for the home kit. Replica shirts will be on sale at the Eagles from Friday February 11.

Sheffield Star 29 January 2005

Chapman in battle for Eagles opener

SHEFFIELD Eagles are facing a battle to get big signing Jaymes Chapman fit for the new season kick-off. The second row has been sidelined by a back injury since he joined from Halifax last month. Coach Mark Aston wants the forward's experience and power to boost the pack for the opening game in the National Rail Cup against Dewsbury Rams, at Don Valley stadium, on Friday (8pm.)
Chapman was ruled out of Eagles' two warm-up games by back spasms - an injury that plagued his career at the Fax. "We'll have to check on Jaymes this week," said Aston. "I'm hoping he will be available for the Dewsbury game." Aston is also checking on the fitness of Anglo-Aussie Joseph Pitt. The back rower was due to make his debut in the friendly at Castleford but was ruled out with a broken toe. Attempts to sign experienced cover at full-back and half-back have drawn a blank. Aston now faces a difficult decision on giving the key fullback shirt to 18-year-old Aussie John Crawford or the more experienced Greg Hurst. He also faces another Aussie-Brit poser at hooker with Scott Collins likely to edge out former Doncaster No 9 Liam Brentley but the loser is likely to claim a spot on the bench.

08 February 2005

Aston consoles Eagles after Dragons defeat

TAKE the hard knocks and learn is the way coach Mark Aston wants his young Sheffield Eagles side to treat the battering they took at Doncaster. The Eagles suffered their highest defeat in over a year in going down 56-20 to a Dragons side packed with ex-Super League players. Aston's side went into the game without skipper Jack Howieson and new signing from Halifax Jaymes Chapman whose debut had to be called off after he was hurt at work. But for the first 40 minutes the Eagles matched Doncaster. Aston said:"There were a lot of positives in the first half and we deserved to claw our way back from a 6-0 deficit to take a 12-6 lead. They scored just on half-time which is not the best time to let a try in. "But a lot of credit goes to the boys for the first 40 minutes - what happened after that is that we got a few bumps and bruises. "We struggled in the second half - we didn't dominate, we didn't compete in the collisions and when you do that against a team with so many ex-Super League players then they are going to cause you some trouble." Prop Chris Molyneux missed most of the second half with a hand injury and winger Carl DeChenu - who had scored the Eagles' first try - had to go to hospital with a broken nose. Both will be doubtful for next Sunday's trip to Batley in the third round games of the Northern Rail Cup. Doncaster turned up the heat in the opening minutes of the second half with three quick tries. The Eagles also had to battle against a string of penalties early in each half awarded against them by top referee Russell Smith. Aston said: "The penalties were something like five-one then went to six-five just before half-time. "And we certainly didn't get penalties in the area of the field I would have liked. "In the second half it was four-nil on penalties then it comes up to four two - it always evens out over the game but its where they are and when they are given."

Source: www.sheffieldtoday.net
22 February 2005

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