Hard work pays off for try-scoring Sheffield Eagles youngster

Sheffield Eagles director Mark Aston says youngster Elliot Minchella's recent renaissance is testament to the work on the training ground.
Sheffield Eagles v Swinton: Elliot Minchella looks to evade Macauley HalletsSheffield Eagles v Swinton: Elliot Minchella looks to evade Macauley Hallets
Sheffield Eagles v Swinton: Elliot Minchella looks to evade Macauley Hallets

Aston has been impressed with the former Leeds ace, saying his form behind the scenes has warranted a recall to the side.

Minchella has had to bide his time over the past month with Eagles enjoying their best form; Aston keeping faith with the same 17 in victories at Whitehaven and Halifax. But with George Tyson suffering a concussion injury, Minchella was back in the match-day squad for the home clash with Haven last weekend, scoring two tries.

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“I thought Elliot put in a really good 60 minutes last week,” Aston. “He got stuck in from minute one, got the first try and really gave us some momentum.

People ask me when they are going to get back into the team, and I always say that is up to you, not me. If you show purpose, intensity and the right attitude then you will get the nod - Elliot is a great example of that.”

Minchella’s form has been indicative of the Eagles season. Despite showing glimpses of his immense talent, most notably in the away victory against Bradford, he has found consistency hard to come by.

It looks as though the 20-year-old is now adapting to the rigours of his environment and Aston now believes he will go from strength-to-strength.

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“I’ve always believed if you train hard, then you will get the rewards. After being out of the squad, he has really knuckled down and has really bought into my philosophy.”

Aston added: “He has made us pick him. His performances in training forced us to pick and he didn’t no himself any harm when he played. We spoke about his energy and getting plenty of work rate out of him, and he certainly did that against Whitehaven so I was really pleased for him.”

Eagles take on Swinton Lions tomorrow at Hallam University Sports Park, (3pm.)