Sheffield Eagles secure a much-needed new signing

Director Mark Aston has long spoken of his desire to add new faces to his struggling side and Chappell’s arrival comes just in time for him to be included in the squad to face his old club tomorrow night.

The 26-year-old played 12 times for Rovers last season, and joins the Eagles after last representing amateur side Underbank Rangers.

“He has been with Featherstone a few years, he has been in Australia but now has come back,” Aston said. “He is a centre and he will be coming until the end of the season to try and cement a place with us going forward.”

Eagles are in the midst of a worrying run of form which has seen them register just one win in their last 10, whilst there is uncertainty off the field with chairman Ian Swire’s decision to leave the club.

Despite chief executive John Whaling leading a search for fresh investment, the club have given funds to Aston to try and inject a boost to their campaign, with Chappell the first arrival since Rhys Jacks back in February. “It gives us numbers and there is no doubt that he has some quality about him,” Aston added.

“He knows how to play the game so he will certainly bring some competition for places. We are hopeful that he will come in and give us a bit of freshness because that is what we have been looking for.

“We identified him a couple of weeks ago, we then started talking to him but then it is about getting things across the line. It is something that we have been looking at for a while, so it is good to get things signed sealed and delivered.”

Chappell, who has enjoyed two spells with Rovers, can also play in the back row.

Chappell is not likely to be the only addition for Aston, who is looking to further bolster his squad ahead of a crucial period as the Eagles look to maintain their Championship status.