Sheffield Eagles: More to come from new recruit

The Canadian international made his Eagles’ bow in the victory over Swinton Lions after putting pen-to-paper on a deal until the end of the season.

Aston has long been an admirer of the 26-year-old and following a successful trial period had no hesitation in offering a permanent deal to the former South Logan Magpies operator.

Jacks showed glimpses of what he can bring to the Eagles’ party in the defeat of Swinton, and Aston has backed his new addition to improve as he settles into his new surroundings.

“He is great kid and he is only going to get better,” Aston told The Star.

“He has a great attitude, he has the desire to be the best he can be, so he is everything that we are looking for.

“I actually thought last week when I fetched the four guys off the bench they changed the tempo of the game. It certainly gave us some impetuous and Rhys was part of that.

“We sent him on at nine and he did well, because in the first 15 minutes we looked clueless, but he gave us a bit of direction and tempo.”

Jacks, primarily a half-back, will face the biggest test of his fledgling Eagles career when Aston’s side travel to Leigh on Sunday.

Eagles boss Aston knows his side will need to up their game, despite an unprecedented slow start from the pre-season favourites for top spot.

“We let 26 points in against Swinton so there is some work to be done on defence,” Aston admitted.

“Let us be judged then next week after we play Leigh.”