‘Jukebox’ signs new one-year Sheffield Eagles deal

The 36-year-old Papua New Guinean centre looked to have played his last game for the club at the back end of 2019, but his stay in the Steel City will now extend into a twelfth year after penning fresh terms with the club.

“He’s a legend, a champion, and when he played some of the games last year, he could still handle it,” said Eagles director of rugby Mark Aston.

“The big thing for me is that he deserves to be honoured and granted a testimonial.

“There are a lot of reasons why we want to keep him and it’s good that he’ll be around the young players.

“He isn’t a talker, but he does things and he certainly can pass on the knowledge he’s gained over here.

“I’m sure there are plenty of clubs who have looked at him, but he wanted to stay at Sheffield and finish his career with us.”

Yere, affectionately known as the ‘Jukebox’, joined the club in 2009 and has become a modern day great over the years.

The veteran, who played in the 2008 World Cup for PNG, has had limited opportunities in recent seasons, but a loan spell at League One Doncaster last season saw him gain some valuable game time.

After then being recalled, he forced his way back into Aston’s plans.

Aston added: “He is The Jukebox, the big hitter, and he has made a name for himself in this country where he’s settled.

“There is still something left in those old legs of Menzie, there’s no doubt about that.”