OPPOSITION GUIDE | SHEFFIELD EAGLES

AHEAD of Sunday's Betfred Championship Round Five clash with Sheffield Eagles - we take an in-depth look at last year's 1895 Cup winners...

FORMBOOK 

Sheffield Eagles go into the clash on the back of successive wins in both the Betfred Championship and Coral Challenge Cup.

The 20-18 fourth-round defeat of Halifax RLFC preceded their golden-point victory over Batley Bulldogs last Sunday – the first of its kind in the Betfred Championship.

Izaac Farrell kicked the winning point at the Fox’s Biscuits Stadium, which ensured a second straight win following three successive defeats against Halifax RLFC, Leigh Centurions and Toulouse Olympique. 

THE CAPTAIN 

Former Bull Matt James captains the Eagles once again in 2020 – having originally been appointed to the role in 2017.

James emerged through the ranks at Bradford before going on to feature for the likes of Wakefield Trinity, Barrow Raiders, Halifax and Harlequins RL.

The versatile forward suffered a dislocated ankle at last year’s Summer Bash and has yet to return to action, we wish him all the best.

THE BOILER ROOM

Scott Wheeldon and Bradley Knowles offer experienced front-row options to Mark Aston in 2020 – with James Davey at hooker an established Championship option.

Joel Farrell enjoyed a solid debut year as an Eagle in 2019 and scored in their 30-10 defeat at Odsal Stadium last season. 

THE BACKS

Former Featherstone Rovers star Anthony Thackeray – alongside Izaac Farrell – will lead Sheffield around the park in 2020.

37-year-old Menzie Yere offers experience in the centres, while Josh Gudzek has proved influential against Bradford in past meetings. 

THE COACH

Mark Aston played 389 games for Sheffield Eagles across 19 years, leading the South Yorkshire outfit to a stunning Challenge Cup triumph – under Bradford boss John Kear – against Wigan Warriors in 1998. 

Aston took over the coaching reins in 1999 and has enjoyed over 500 games in the hotseat and boasts a 56% win percentage.

The 52-year-old led the Eagles to 1895 Cup success last year – beating Widnes Vikings in the Wembley showpiece.

CONNECTIONS

Matt James is the only Sheffield Eagles player to have played in a senior game for Bradford – having graduated through the club’s Academy.

James made his Bradford bow in 2006 – going on to make 27 appearances before moving to Harlequins RL.

PAST MEETINGS

The two sides met in two thrilling encounters in 2019 – with Sheffield Eagles the last visitors to Odsal Stadium for a 30-10 defeat.

Earlier that year, despite a promising start – John Kear’s side fell to defeat at the Olympic Legacy Park, ending the game with 12 men following a James Green red card.

James Bentley scored a quartet of tries when Bradford put on a big score against the Eagles at Odsal in 2017 before Aston’s side exacted revenge at the Mobile Rocket Stadium weeks later.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to OurLeague covering the fixture, kick-off is 6:15pm.

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