Chisholm flies in to boost revived Eagles

AUSSIE stand-off Dane Chisholm will be the star attraction in Mark Aston's new-look Sheffield Eagles side.

Once of Melbourne Storm and Canterbury Bulldogs, 26-year-old Chisholm flew home to Australia as a free agent when his latest club, Bradford Bulls, went into liquidation.

Despite their own financial anxieties, Sheffield pursued him and once a deal was agreed he couldn't get on a flight to the UK quickly enough.

Said Aston: "He's put the Bradford thing behind him and he's fully committed to the Eagles."

Eagles were in such a state of flux a few weeks ago that many feared they would also hit the buffers.

CRITICAL

It was a direct result of that critical situation that Oldham signed Nathan Chappell, Adam Neal, David Hewitt and George Tyson.

They've also lost a few others, but under the direction of new chairman Chris Noble MBE they're fighting back, the swoop for Chisholm making a statement of intent.

A few of last year's squad are still there, among them new captain Matty James and his two vice-captains Duane Straugher and Scott Wheeldon, as well as PNG trio Menzie Yere, Garry Lo and Mark Mexico.

They've also made NINE new signings, including second-row forward Will Hope from Oldham and hooker Lewis Foster, who had several games for Roughyeds on loan from Leigh last season and is now on dual-registration in South Yorkshire.

Said Hope: "I have good mates at Oldham, so there's sure to be a lot of banter flying around.

"I'm excited, but at the same time it will be a very strange feeling. It's going to be tight, with little in it either way.

"There have been lots of close-season ups and downs at Sheffield, but everything is solid now and I think we're going to have a great season."

Assistant coach Ged Corcoran, who played for Oldham in the new club's early days, said: "We expect a physical challenge, but we've set out our stall to win.

"Scott (Naylor) likes it physical around the ruck, but we'll do what we do best - and win."

o THE RFL is looking at bringing in central contracts in a bid to stop players leaving for rugby union and the NRL.

Roger Draper, the former LTA chief executive who became chief commercial officer at the RFL in December, spoke of the pressing need to retain elite players at the launch of the 2017 Betfred Super League at Leigh Sports Village.

"If you haven't got the best talent, people won't buy tickets, you won't get sponsors and you won't get the TV money," Draper said.