Sheffield Eagles hope for the unexpected '“ a return to arms from Joshua Toole

Irish international Joshua Toole says his long association with director Mark Aston is a key reason behind the extra thinking time required over his Sheffield Eagles future.
Joshua TooleJoshua Toole
Joshua Toole

Toole returned to Australia with the likely scenario that he's played his last game for Eagles.  But he has headed home, leaving the door still slightly ajar

'I've always stayed in contact with Tubbs (Aston) so we'll see what happens,' Toole explained. 'It is a tough call. I love the club and had a lot of fun here. Things will be different next season, they are turning things around. It would be good to be part of it, but I'm going home for a couple of weeks of reflection.The fans will stick with us I'm sure, so it is tempting. I need to clear my head and we'll see what happens.'

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The pair first linked up when Aston called the Australian, who had Irish heritage, into Ireland's World Cup squad in 2013.

Aston remained in contact and when the opportunity to bring him to the Eagles arose last year, Toole was parachuted into a new-look squad for the start of the 2018 campaign.

Whist it proved to be a difficult season for the club, Toole was one of the stand-out performers in several positions as Aston's side just about preserved their Championship status.

'Tubbs has done a lot for me personally,' Toole added.

'I played under him for Ireland. He brought me in there in 2012 and I played in the 2013 World Cup for him. He's brought me to Sheffield as well, so we have a good relationship. He's been great for my career. He has taught me a lot of things, so it is a strong link. We have a lot of history together, if it was anyone else perhaps this decision would be easier.'