Shefield Eagles boss applauds Dane Chisholm

The arrival of Reece Dean may temporarily settle one argument for Sheffield Eagles.
Sheffield Eagles v Featherstone. Pic: Simon HallSheffield Eagles v Featherstone. Pic: Simon Hall
Sheffield Eagles v Featherstone. Pic: Simon Hall

Dean, who joined on a month loan deal from Toronto Wolfpack, made his debut at full-back last weekend, allowing star man Dane Chisholm to move back into his favoured position in the halves.

The conversation of where to put Eagles’ prized asset has been one that director Mark Aston has toyed with in the opening rounds of the season.

Chisholm, along with Ryan Millar, has plugged the gap at full-back on several occasions already this season, but it is at half-back where he expected to be at his most dangerous.

“He (Chisholm) has been absolutely outstanding at reading the game, at pushing and throwing people into the right areas” Aston said.

“It has taken its toll at times because it is tough to do both jobs, but we just needed him there.

“Dane has been great. He has come into the club after a pretty tough pre-season for himself. In his second game we have thrown him into the position of full-back, where he has had to play again for us and that means a lot of work, a lot of running about and a lot of things going off. Hopefully now we’ve found a full-back that will ultimately allow us to put him into his preferred position.”

Dean, who has also played part of his fledgling career at half-back, has only signed a one-month loan deal with the club, so a long-term solution to the full-back conundrum remains up in the air.

What Aston is certain about is that with Chisholm back in his favoured position, the performances of the former Bradford ace will only get better.

“He is committed, he is a good bloke and turns up for you,” Aston said.

“He’ll put his hand up, and eventually when everyone gets a full understanding of who he is and how he is, how he plays then he’ll be even better. He has certainly made a difference, he has got the experience and once he gets the total respect and understanding then he will be massive for us.”

Eagles take a break from league action this weekend as they make their second trip to Humberside on Sunday (3pm) to face Hull KR in the fourth round of the Challenge Cup.