Injury-hit Sozi ready to claim place

Sozi was sidelined for all of last season by complications to a leg he broke playing for Doncaster in 2006.

He needed a second operation and for part of the year had to be linked to a mobile monitoring device the size of small suitcase.

Now coach Mark Aston has handed the 26-year-old a new deal for 2008.

"Yusuf has faced a few setbacks but he's battled through because he wants to play," said Aston. "He's fully fit now and is looking forward to a good pre-season."

Sozi was seen as providing Eagles with an experienced impact forward coming off the bench.

Aston added: "He wants to put last season behind him and concentrate on getting back on the field."

New deals have also been agreed with long-serving winger Greg Hurst and loose-forward Grant Edwards.

Hurst, 27, is one of an exclusive group of current Eagles players who have made more than 100 appearances for the club.

He faces competition for the starting outside backs' shirt from Rob Worrincy and Danny Mills.

Edwards 20, joined Eagles from Castleford Tigers at the start of last season after making three appearances for the Super League side.