Sheffield lose Owen and add Uaisele

Sheffield Eagles have been busy restructuring their squad as they look to cement their place in the Championship‘s play-off race.

Gareth Owen, the hooker who was on loan from Salford, returned to his parent club on Friday, but only briefly as it turned out.

He was immediately loaned out to his hometown club Oldham, with whom he will spend the rest of the season.

The 22-year-old was originally on a season-long loan deal for this campaign with the Eagles, for whom he made 15 appearances, scoring six tries.

Eagles cheif executive and coach Mark Aston said: “Gareth is a great kid and he has made a massive contribution to the Eagles this season.

“We are sorry to see him go but Salford called and we cannot stand in the way of his Super League ambitions.”

Owen, who lives in Moorside in Oldham, will go straight into the Roughyeds’ squad for their home game against Hunslet Hawks on Sunday.

Oldham chairman Chris Hamilton said: “We are delighted to have secured Gareth’s services, another Oldham lad ‘coming home’, albeit on a temporary basis at the moment.

“He’s a quality player who will help us with our hooking problem and provide us with a great addition to the squad as we approach the business end of the season.”

Sheffield have also signed Etu Uaisele from Featherstone Rovers on loan until the end of the season. The Tongan international has NRL experience, having played for Parramatta Eels and Penrith Panthers.

The 29-year-old can play on the wing or in the centres, and gives the Eagles back line more depth as they look to secure a top-eight finish.

“I am really excited to sign a player of the calibre of Etu,” said Mark Aston.

“He will bring an added dimension to the team and add further strength to our back division.”