Sheffield sign Batley hooker James Davey

Sheffield have signed Batley hooker James Davey on a two-year deal from 2019.

The 29-year-old was a regular in Sheffield’s Grand Final winning squads of 2012 and 2013, and also played a big role in helping the Eagles securing a place in The Qualifiers in 2015.

Sheffield coach Mark Aston had promised to bring a number of familiar faces back into the club for next season as they target a higher finish.

On the signing of Davey, Aston said: “As a player and as a bloke, he is a champion and he certainly adds something to us.

“He is a team player, he is passionate, disciplined, respectful and wants to be the best he can be.

“That makes it a little bit easier for us as we can coach and not have to manage the personalities.

“There is no doubt about his ability. He is one of the best hookers in the Championship and one of the best blokes too. When we knew he was available, it was an easy decision.”

After making 93 appearances for the Eagles in his first spell at the club, Davey is looking forward to moving back to the Steel City.

He said: “I’m really pleased to be coming back to the Eagles.

“I had four great years at the club and really enjoyed my time under Mark and I can’t wait to get back and get going next year.

“My best times were winning Grand Finals with the club and also a top four finish, and I want to help the club get back to winning ways and up there.

“I’ve enjoyed the past few years at Batley but I thought the time was right to come back to the Eagles and hopefully I can see my career out there.”