Sheffield Eagles' season is just getting started, roars half-back Corey Makelim

The USA international played a major role in the recent back-to-back home successes against Dewsbury and Barrow which have seen the Eagles rise up the standings to give them a useful cushion on the relegation places.

After recruiting late, and enduring a terrible run of injuries during mid-season, the results in recent weeks have felt like Aston’s side have turned a corner, and Makelim believes their season starts now with seven games remaining to secure their Championship status.

“I think with everything that has happened, our season has really started now,” Makelim told The Star.

“We got the two wins which has bumped us up the table a little but you can never take things for granted. The likes of Rochdale and Swinton, a couple of wins for them and they are knocking on your heels again. You can’t be complacent, we have to keep getting better week in, week out, but we have certainly put ourselves in a better position.”

The Eagles ended the regular season with defeat at Leigh Centurions, but enjoyed a 10 point advantage at one stage as Aston’s side threatened a shock result.

Whilst they fell away in the second-stanza, the hard yards have already been completed with victories over their relegation rivals, and with other results going in their favour, the Eagles know they are set well for the upcoming Shield fixtures.

“We have been pleased to get to the 14 point mark but we could have pushed on,” Makelim added.

“We have still been a little sloppy in possession, throwing the ball away, we still need to work on that side of things. We have hit the target going into the break but we still have to be better in certain areas.”

“We showed some good defence against Barrow," he added.

" We scrambled and backed each other up so that was a positive in an area where we have struggled at times.”

Makelim, who initially arrived to fill the void at full-back but has found a home alongside Cory Aston in the halves, doesn’t mind where he plays, adding:

“It’s wherever Tubbs (Mark Aston) feels it is best for the team. I don’t mind where I play. I will play anywhere. As long as we are playing well and winning then that’s all that really matters.”