Sheffield: Qualifiers preview

The Sheffield Eagles will be hoping to make a big impact in the Middle 8s as they seek promotion into Super League.

Story so far:

Perhaps the side to suffer most from the absence of promotion and relegation in Super League; the Eagles won two Grand Finals in 2012 and 2013. And they’ll be disappointed that they’re not the strongest outfit in the Championship now the opportunity to reclaim a spot among the big boys has come around again.

The Eagles have recovered from that disastrous merger with Huddersfield, mainly thanks to the efforts of one man - Challenge Cup-winning hero Mark Aston. The Director of Rugby has led his side to third this season, winning 17 of their 23 games. All in all, a strong showing.

What’s gone right:

The decision to turn professional is a serious statement of intent from the Eagles. They’ve built a platform on the grounds of consistent Championship performances over the last few years and now they’re determined to grasp it.

Regardless of whether or not they reach Super League next season, Sheffield will be full time from 2016, perhaps an indication for the RFL of an early success story from the decision to install the new league system. Expect them to attract bigger names and probably more fans as they step up their assault on Super League.

What’s gone wrong:

On one hand, the Eagles are committed to professional Rugby League, but on the other, the ground issue doesn’t do them any favours. With Don Valley, the Eagles’ traditional home, demolished, Sheffield have played their rugby at the Keepmoat Stadium this season, sharing with Doncaster.

It doesn’t exactly encourage supporters to come along to sample Rugby League and the home venue for next season is yet to be decided as they await construction of a new ground on the site of the old Don Valley.

Bramall Lane is a potential option, but you feel they need to solve the problem sooner rather than later to prove to a potentially large fan base the commitment to compete in Super League is there.

Middle 8 chances:

Three home games against Halifax, Hull KR and Wakefield looks tricky on paper, and it could be even harder away from home. They were hammered 46-12 by Bradford and 58-18 by Leigh on the road, so those two games and trips to Salford and Widnes don’t look particularly inviting either.

But don’t write off the Eagles; they’ve got plenty of play-off rugby experience from recent Championship successes and Aston has spoken of the excitement in their camp with a potential crack at Super League on the cards.

Let’s not forget their famous underdog moment either - where Aston starred as his side overturned Wigan 17-8 at Wembley in the famous Challenge Cup upset of 1998.

One to watch:

Kyle Briggs is a man with a few points to prove. The half-back will feel he’s still capable of cutting it in Super League, having failed to make the grade during his time at Bradford. Briggs has been with Sheffield for two seasons, but he scored 108 points in the league this season, playing a key part in their third-place finish.

He’s a product of the Headingley academy, so he’s got the upbringing of a class player, but can his passing and kicking game fire the Eagles towards that ‘Million Pound Game’?