Aston’s Sheffield to lock horns with Hendo’s Broncos

Sheffield Eagles coach Mark Aston believes that his old colleage Andrew Henderson will have his London Broncos team well prepared when the southern side travel north on Friday night.

The Eagles were knocked out of the Challenge Cup by Wakefield last week, a game they lost 44-10, but Aston saw reasons to be optimistic.

“We had a dig. I thought for 30 minutes at 14-10 we were pushing very close but a couple of lapses in concentration let them run away with it before half-time,” he said.

“I can’t knock the players’ attitude in that first half and in the second half again we were outstanding defensively because they had all the ball. We only had 24 sets in the full game. The boys did themselves proud for big parts of that game.”

“Hendo’s been around a long time and got the experience. They’ve got a decent squad so I’m not surprised they’re doing well. It’s a massive challenge for us.”

Wing Ben Blackmore and prop Scott Wheeldon are expected to return to the colours, but Duane Straugheir is missing with an eye injury.

London Broncos won 16-12 win at Whitehaven last week, mmoving to within a point of league leaders Leigh in the process.

Broncos coach Henderson was pleased with the win, if not the performance from his players.

“We didn’t play particularly well, to be honest, but once again found a way to win,” he said.

“I’ve been really pleased with our defensive efforts so far this season.

“Mark Aston and the staff would know that it was always going to be a transitional season with so many players leaving the club but I do believe they would have expected to be performing better than what they have been.

“They probably haven’t gelled or clicked as a team yet but I’ve got no doubt in my mind that the side we face on Friday night will certainly be up for it.

“They’re in more of a desperate position at the moment because they’ve lost six and won four so for them they’ll be targeting this as an opportunity to get their season back on track.

“I’m certain they’ll be very well prepared and hungry to do a job on us on Friday night.”