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Aston backs big squad to ease pile-up
SHEFFIELD Eagles will make use of one of the biggest squads in the Championship to get through any early season fixture pile-up.
With 26 players coach Mark Aston says he will make use of a rotation policy to cope with postponed games being replayed mid-week.
"Having a big squad is important. We have that and it's a luxury at this time of the season," said Aston.
"Conditions can be difficult early season and you have to accept injuries and playing three time in a week is a lot to ask of part-time players," said Aston.
"Rotation will be important to us throughout the season. It means everyone in the squad gets a game and people have time to recover from injuries."
The Eagles opening Northern Rail Cup group game against Halifax was a victim of last weekend's plunging temperatures, which saw only three out of ten games played in the competition.
Aston hopes to have experienced back-row forward Peter Green and half-back Matty Brooks back after elbow injuries and available for Sunday's game at Featherstone Rovers.
The delay will also give winger Ashley Thackeray (jaw) and forward Trevor Exton (dislocated finger) extra recovery time.
Halifax will now come to Don Valley Stadium on Wednesday 17 February giving the Eagles three games in seven days.
"The bad weather has disrupted our preparation but it's the same for the other clubs," said Aston. "We have tough games coming and people will get their chance."
The kick-off time for the Eagles game against Toulouse Olympique at Bramall Lane, on Saturday 15 May, has been confirmed as 3pm.
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Weather for Sheffield
Friday 10 February 2012
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Temperature: -6 C to 0 C
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