Eagles get a Burr boost for Halifax

The former Bradford Bulls second-rower has played a major role for the Eagles in the opening two rounds of the Kingstone Press Championship season, with Leigh again lending the big Aussie to the Eagles’ cause ahead of the trip to The Shay.

Burr is also expected to be joined by team mate Dayne Weston, despite the prop being involved in the opening round of Super League as the Centurions were defeated by Castleford.

“We will have him again which is great news because he has been outstanding,” Aston told The Star of Burr’s contribution.

“He has been brilliant. All he wants to do is play and we are delighted that we will retain him again this week, that’s now three weeks on the bounce. It also gives me the stability as well.

“I think we will have Dayne Weston available for us, so that’s a couple of really good lads and good players from Leigh. We’ll have Duane Straugheir back for us as well, so we have some more options for Sunday.”

The Eagles could hand a debut to Huddersfield loanee Liam Johnson after he agreed a deal until the end of the season on Thursday, but Mark Mexico is out through suspension.

Aston, who left out Jordan Cox for last weekend’s stunning victory over Toulouse, admits he now has options as he prepares for Sunday’s showdown, against a Halifax side still looking for their first points of the season.

“Jordan Cox is another who is still striving to get to 100 per cent,” Aston added.

“He missed out against Toulouse and Greg Burns goes in and was outstanding. We have people now on the outer looking in and they are saying to themselves, ‘how am I going to get back into this team?’

“A few months ago we were not in that luxurious position but again through dual-reg and through people making a mark for themselves, it has players looking over their shoulder. It is nice to be in that position.”

Halifax have also added to their squad this week and could hand a debut to hooker Adam O’Brien who signed a one month loan deal from Huddersfield. The ex-Bradford ace is set to be included alongside former Eagle Rob Worrincy who left Aston’s side during the close season.