Sheffield Eagles: Aston admits to attempting to re-sign son Cory

Mark Aston is set to come up against his son Cory in direct competition for the first time this weekend - admitting he failed in a bid to re-sign him before his loan switch to Featherstone Rovers.
Cory Aston could have rejoined the Eagles  but will go up against them this weekendCory Aston could have rejoined the Eagles  but will go up against them this weekend
Cory Aston could have rejoined the Eagles  but will go up against them this weekend

Half-back Cory, who came through the ranks with the Eagles under the tutelage of his father, joined Super League heavyweights Leeds Rhinos during the close season.

This season the 22-year-old has found it difficult to force his way into the Leeds side, leading to an appearance for this Sunday’s opponents, who are Leeds’ dual-registration partners.

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His stay with the Flat Cappers recently turned into a loan move, but not before Aston senior tried to bring him back into the Eagles’ flock.

“We tried to bring him back,” Aston admitted to The Star. “Obviously Leeds’ partnership is with Featherstone, and that is where they wanted him to go. It will be an interesting one, I have always coached him and now I will be coaching against him.”

Aston isn’t the only familiar face in the Featherstone ranks, with the expected 19 man squad to read as a who’s who of former Sheffield favourites.

Michael Knowles, Keal Carlile, Misi Taulapapa, Scott Turner, John Davies and Kyle Briggs are all now plying their trade at Post Office Road, helping Jon Sharp’s side to second place in the table after four wins from five.

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“I have a lot of respect for the players that have come through this club,” Aston added. “The likes of Michael Knowles served this club impeccably, Keal Carlile was a pleasure to work with and Misi Taulapapa was probably one of the best players that I have ever coached.

“I miss him, he was fantastic. Then there are players like Cory and Scott Turner - these guys were a pleasure.

“We have certainly helped Featherstone with their recruitment and obviously they get help from the dual-reg with Leeds as well.

“If you have money to spend, and obviously they have because they are doing, then you can buy success. That is certainly something that they have done because of the numbers they have brought in. Is it sustainable at this level? Who knows, but that is their business.”

Kick off at Belle Vue this Sunday is 7.30pm. Landlords Wakefield have the afternoon slot, with the Eagles forced into delaying until the evening to allow time to turn around the venue.