Break gives SHeffield Eagles time to refocus

With the team returning to winning ways against Dewsbury, some might think that the Eagles chief would want to capitalise on their upturn in fortunes.

But Aston is looking at the bigger picture.

Patchy form and a host of disappointing results have taken their toll, despite their dramatic success against the Rams.

Aston sees the break this weekend as a chance to re-charge the batteries, and get his side patched up ready for a crucial second half of the regular campaign.

“The break has come at a very good time for us to be fair,” Aston affirmed.

“There has been much soul searching and straight talking over the last month or so.

“This break now gives the lads the chance to refresh themselves. We can then re-focus ourselves on the next game which is Workington a week on Saturday.”

The Eagles miss out on action this week as attention switches to round six of the Challenge Cup.

The fixture against Workington at Bawtry Road starts a run of crucial games where Aston’s side will lock horns some of the Championship heavyweights.

With Bradford Bulls, London Broncos, Halifax and Batley all coming up, the Eagles will have to play four out of the current top five of the division.

The run of fixtures will almost certainly dictate whether the Eagles have the right mettle to mix it at the top end again, and Aston wants his side to use their current hiatus to mentally prepare for a huge run of games.

“We will soon be right in the thick of the games again, with some big hitters, so we need to be ready for what is about to follow,” he added.

“We will use the time away to have a look at things. We are still talking and looking, and hopefully we can add to the group.

“There is still plenty of work to do. We are not getting carried away.

“The win came from the last play of the game against Dewsbury let’s remember – I would like it a little easier than that!”

Earlier in the week it was confirmed that second-rower Duane Straugheir was to undergo surgery on a fractured eye-socket.

Aston has confirmed that the 26-year-old has had his operation, which was successful, but the versatile operator is set to be sidelined for several weeks.