Stringer predicts success for Thorpe at Sheffield

Sheffield Eagles prop Mitch Stringer believes that Australian Steve Thorpe will be a big hit with fans this season.

The 24-year-old Australian joined the Eagles this winter from Eastern Suburbs Tigers, and Stringer thinks that he has flown under the radar in terms of attention.

“Obviously Jamie Langley and Tony Tonks, but the big one for me is Steve Thorpe from Australia,” said Stringer, when asked which of the Eagles’ new signings had impressed him.

“Nobody really knows who he is, he’s pretty unknown over here, but he’s going to be one of the best front rowers in this competition, I believe.

“The way he trains, and the way he goes about his business makes him one to watch, definitely.”

Stringer himself is struggling with injury, though he expects to be fit for action in around a month and a half or so.

“I’ve been training hard in the morning with our conditioner, and then at night-time when all the boys train, I just do a bit of coaching and help out where I can, help the younger boys out and do some extra sessions with them,” he explained.

“I’ve got a scan this Thursday, so hopefuly I’ll get fixed the week after, so hopefully about four or five weeks after that.

“It’s frustrating just watching.”