Sheffield Eagles: Aston urges players to carry on where they left off at Leigh

Sheffield Eagles director of rugby Mark Aston is looking to carry forward the momentum of last week's performance at Leigh Centurions ahead of today's showdown with Whitehaven.
By The Newsroom
Published 12th Mar 2016, 04:30 BST

Despite defeat at Leigh, the Eagles produced an improved display and even looked set to record a surprise victory after levelling the scores with six minutes remaining.

With struggling Whitehaven in town this afternoon (3pm), Aston will be looking for his side to maintain the standards of last weekend, as he looks to bring an element of consistency to the Eagles’ performances.

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“We need to build on the momentum of last week because as much as we didn’t get the result against Leigh, I thought that we showed we are capable of playing at that kind of level,” he told The Star.

“Whitehaven won’t be fazed, they are well drilled by James Coyle and they will believe they can get the result. We have to be ready.”

After losing their first three outings, Haven will be buoyed by their victory over Swinton Lions last weekend and will also take confidence in knowing that they gave the Eagles a stern test both home and away last season.

While the Eagles are big favourites for victory, Aston will have his troops fully focused knowing that his new look side are still bedding into their new surroundings at Bawtry Road.

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“Whitehaven are a good team, we need to make sure that we are respectful and execute the game plan that we have worked on in training this week,” he said.

“They have some good players there, and in Dave Allen they have a player I have had a lot of admiration for and he is someone who I think could play in Super League. They also have Glenn Riley who has played Super League, they have Sam Brooks and couple of good players on dual registration, it is a strong side.”

Aston hinted at tinkering with his 17, explaining the likes of Ryan Millar, Steve Thorpe and Rhys Jacks are all pushing for a recall:

“Over the next couple of weeks we need to be having a good look at one or two. There’s people like Ryan Millar who need a hit out, and we need to have a look at Rhys Jacks a little bit more as well. There will be some slight changes but nothing to drastic.”