'Likely lads' put weight behind Eagles

TWO of Sheffield Eagles most likely local lads - Tom Buckenham and Nick Turnbull - have agreed new deals.

"We're delighted to have both Tom and Nick coming back," said coach Mark Aston. "They are both young, South Yorkshire players who we believe can take forward."

Turnbull made a remarkable return last season after dropping out at the start of the pro game at the start of Eagles' promotion season because of career demands.

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Aston said: "You have to remember he didn't come back until July and my view was to throw him in for one game and have a look but he played so well that he kept his place for the final three games."

Barnsley-based Turnbull first joined the club from Hoyland Vikings as a centre but has developed into a power-running second row forward.

"Nick's at the right age - he's 24 and a local lad," added Aston. "We never wanted him to leave the club but he wanted to make sure his career was sorted out away from rugby league.

"Now he's back - he needs a good pre-season and I'm sure he's going be a very useful part of a very strong back row."

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Buckenham, 23, recovered from a mid-season dip in form to blast back into Eagles' squad for the final games.

A battling prop in the |Jon Bruce mould, he came to Don Valley from Doncaster after playing as an amateur at Toll Bar.

"Tom is a good young kid and bit by bit he is getting better," said Aston.

"At the start of last season he was one of our best forwards and certainly showed things that we liked and we felt we could work with.

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"He's only going to get better. He's a big lad and he's got the hunger and the desire to establish himself as a First Division player."

There were fears that relegated Doncaster might try to lure Buckenham back 'home'.

Aston added: "I think they would have been keen to have him back but as Tom says he 'likes it here and why should I leave'.