Championship Play-offs: Sheffield v Batley

James Gordon

Sheffield Eagles coach Mark Aston will consider all his options before settling on a 17-man squad to face Batley Bulldogs.

Aston could bring back Duane Straugheir, Joe Hirst or Simon Brown after all three missed last week’s 30-20 win over Dewsbury Rams.

Aston said: “We know all about play-off football. We got to the semi-final two years ago and the final last year, so we know it’s tough.”

Bulldogs coach John Kear has warned his side they must make major improvements from last week’s defeat against Halifax.

Kear said: “We controlled the game for the first 45 or 50 minutes, but you’ve got to play for 80 minutes.

“You’ve got to keep your foot down and keep playing in a constructive, positive manner.”

Batley, who finished fifth in the regular season, were only a point behind Sheffield on the league table.