Sheffield Eagles: Tyson catches eye in new role

A career in the second row is a realistic prospect for George Tyson, according to coach Mark Aston.
George TysonGeorge Tyson
George Tyson

The former Oldham ace played out the full 80 minutes in Sheffield Eagles’ back row during the recent defeat to Bradford Bulls, after playing the majority of his short time in South Yorkshire at centre.

After the Eagles produced a gutsy display in the narrow loss to Rohan Smith’s high-flyers, director of rugby Aston took plenty of positives as he looks to plot his side’s much-needed revival.

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One of those plusses was the performance of Tyson, who produced a knockout display in what was a relatively new position for the youngster.

“I have to single out young George ,” Aston told The Star.

“He played 80 minutes in the second row, and I have a lot of belief in this young man.

“I think that one day he will settle down to become a very good back-rower. He showed he can handle it for 80 minutes. He kept having a little moan that he was tired but he stayed out there and he fought for everything. When you have got somebody doing that out there it inspires other people.”

Tyson was one of a host of players brought to the club on a full-time basis after catching Aston’s eye with a string of high-quality performances at Oldham.

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After helping the Roughyeds to the League One title last season, the 22-year-old swapped life at Bower Fold for the full-time environment offered to him by the Eagles.

After a positive start he, like many of Aston’s squad, has struggled for consistency but he was one of host of performers who found their top game again against Bradford last week.

After Tyson completed his first full game in the back row for the Eagles, Aston admitted that, long term, this will eventually become a permanent fixture for the former Salford operator.

“When I signed him that was always where he was going to end up,” Aston confirmed.

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“I wanted to do it slowly but we haven’t had the opportunity to do that with Garry (Lo) being injured and things like that.

“He reminds me a little of an old Denis Betts, if you like. He’s certainly got some punch in him and some fight in him. It was always the plan; it is just how quickly that you can adapt to it. I thought against Bradford he showed that he can.”