No complacency from Sheffield Eagles

They host the Cumbrians at Bawtry Road (3pm) knowing that Phil Veivers’ side have won just once in the Championship this season. Aston’s side had Workington’s number with a 12-42 success on the opening day of the season.

The Eagles chief is guarding against any complacency after witnessing a gallant effort from tomorrow’s visitors in a defeat to high-flying Halifax last time out.

Workington fought back from 30-10 down to give Fax a huge scare, with Richard Marshall’s side edging a tight contest 36-32.

Aston saw enough to suggest Town have more than enough to give his side a game.

“We start a tough run of games against Workington; I watched their recent game with Halifax and they did well,” Aston confirmed.

“At half-time some would have thought the game was over but in the second half Workington were the better side. They won the second half convincingly.”

For Aston, Workington’s fight-back has typified this season’s Championship. Whilst last season Leigh, Bradford and to a large extent the Eagles forged ahead of the chasing pack, the 2016 campaign has been a season of surprise results which has kept the Eagles in the top four hunt. With the addition of newly-promoted Oldham and Swinton, the division has become more competitive.

Aston has praised the division’s newcomers for giving the Championship depth, with the 48-year-old an admirer of the progress made by both.

“It is a tough competition this year, there is no doubt about it,” he added.

“There are some good teams, and they are capable of giving everyone a game. You have seen teams like Swinton come up and do well, then Oldham knocked Hull KR out of the Challenge Cup.

“These teams have just got promoted but credit to them; they have picked up some good kids who have come out of good systems. They are emulating some of the success that we have had over the years. The key to success is getting in the junior players and then developing them.”