Sheffield honour ex-player

Members of the armed forces and Sheffield’s emergency services can gain free admission for Sheffield Eagles’ final Co-operative Championship match of the season.

The club will honour former player Liam Brentley, who was recently injured after being shot in Afghanistan while on patrol with the Royal Marines.

Coach Mark Aston said: “Liam is a champion. He came out of the amateur game and acquitted himself very well in the professional game.

“We’re trying to honour him. We want to remember his time as a rugby player, and also what he’s done since then. We should be proud of these people.”

Sheffield need a point to be certain of a place in this year’s play-offs. They could be boosted by a first start in six months for prop Jack Howieson, who made a successful return to action off the bench last week.

Leigh Centurions have their own target: three points from their trip to South Yorkshire would leave them as favourites to secure a top-three finish.

Centurions coach Ian Millward said: “All we can do is set the pace.”

Mick Nanyn returns for Leigh, who now have a fully fit squad. Millward added: “We will give it our best shot and see where we are after that.”