Championship preview: Sheffield v Keighley (Fri)

Sheffield Eagles coach Mark Aston has challenged his team to bounce back from successive defeats by starting a busy period with a win that would take them back to the top of the Kingstone Press Championship.

Sheffield face three games in 10 days after defeats against London Broncos and Leigh Centurions.

Aston said: “I don’t want pity. Let’s move on, dust ourselves down and be better.”

James Haley could have played his last game of the season as Keighley Cougars coach Paul March waits on news of the extent of Haley’s shoulder injury.

March said: “He dislocated his shoulder last week and he’s probably looking at a few weeks out.

“It could even end his season, depending on what ligaments and muscles have been damaged.”

Gavin Duffy and Richie Barnett will compete for Haley’s place in the three-quarters, while Daley Williams faces a late fitness test.

March added: “We’ve spoken all year about trying to get an 80-minute performance together.

“When we do that, people will see we’re a team that can dominate along with the top five, but until then we’re scraping down where we are.

“We’ll need to be good on Friday because Sheffield will punish everything, and they’ll want to start well after last week.

“It’s up to us to be stand up and be counted. It’s a big game and I’m sure the players will be ready come Friday.”