Sheffield Eagles boss Aston relieved to see composure in his ranks

With the Eagles in a tough spot against the Lions on Sunday, it needed the experienced half-back’s boot to clinch a dramatic victory after the home side had levelled the game just moments before through Chris Hankinson’s converted score.

Brown, brought back just six weeks after leaving the Eagles just prior to the season, has been given the task of being coach Mark Aston’s leader on the field, with the ex-Hunslet ace taking the responsibility of slotting the crucial one-pointer which moved the Eagles out of The Championship relegation zone.

“Is there any more grey hairs on me? I'll be fully grey by the end of the season,” a relieved Aston told The Star.

“You rely on people who are composed, and Simon Brown is always there to do those little things isn't he. That's experience. He put himself in a position under pressure and he slotted it over. I am pleased for him because what has happened with him going and then coming back. He has got his head down and the boys are responding to some of the things he does.”

The Eagles went into the crucial early season four-pointer knowing defeat would leave them propping up The Championship standings, but Brown’s late heroics takes Aston’s side above Rochdale who join Swinton in the bottom two.

Whilst not a game for the rugby league connoisseur, Aston’s troops showed plenty of fight and desire which their experienced coach has questioned at times this season, whilst their character was there to see after Swinton came back from 8-18 down to level inside the closing stages.

With the Eagles already missing a one-point attempt through Oscar Thomas, Brown wasn’t going to miss the second chance as he sent the travelling support wild to clinch it at the death.

"Even with the first attempt through Oscar Thomas it was set up perfect,” Aston continued.“He flicked it to Browny who put it back, but he just lifted his head up and it went. It did what it did.

"Browny is a bit more composed and lot more controlled in the game. For him to be in that position to slot that over at the crucial time is exactly what he was brought back for. He just offers that composure, and thank goodness that we did bring him back.”