Leeds youngster joins Championship

Josh McAllister
Ben Sheils

Sheffield have announced the signing of Ben Sheils from Leeds on a one-year deal.

Sheils, 18, joins the Eagles for the 2022 Championship campaign after spending two seasons with the Rhinos’ academy side.

The former England Community Lions international enters his first season of senior rugby league with the Eagles in 2022. 

“It’s a good opportunity”

“I’m excited,” the winger said.

“It’s still crazy to think about, it’s a good opportunity for someone my age. It’s a good chance for me to improve my skills and develop.

“I’m glad that I have been given the opportunity, I’m pleased that Mark trusts that I’ll be able to do the job.

“I’m expecting a lot more physicality, it’s going to be a big step up from what I’m used to but I am looking forward to it. It’s a good opportunity to develop under new coaches and to learn skills from other people.

“I’m really excited to get some knowledge and to get more experience under my belt and to develop as a player.

Mark Aston on latest recruit

Eagles director of rugby Mark Aston said: “Signing Ben Sheils is exciting for us. He is at Sheffield Hallam University for the next few years so will be based here.

“Ben is a kid that has come out of the Leeds Rhinos system and the people that we know, Chev Walker, Jason Davidson, have given glowing reports. He is certainly one for the next few years.

“We’re always looking for diamonds, kids that can develop into Championship players. Everyone you talk to from Leeds about Ben says he has the potential to become a very good player.”

Olympic Legacy Park

Meanwhile, Sheffield have shared progress of their new stadium at the Olympic Legacy Park.

Speaking on the OLP, Sheils added: “I can’t wait. The new stadium is very exciting, it’ll be a great atmosphere with hopefully even more spectators in there.”

Elsewhere in rugby league

North Wales Crusaders have added former St Helens youngster and hooker Paul Nash to their squad ahead of the 2022 League 1 campaign.

 

Championship Sheffield Eagles