2 Signings + Branighan linked : Thu Sep 23, 2010 9:37 am
Eagles swoop for PairSHEFFIELD Eagles has signed two young half-backs from Hull's Super League clubs.
Coach Mark Aston agreed deals to bring Pat Smith, from Hull FC, and Ben Hardcastle, from Hull KR, for 2011. "We are looking to the future" he said.
"The lads have come through the system at good clubs - they are just leaving the under 20s, that's they have been released."
Aston is also seeking an experienced half-back to replace Brendon Lindsay who played his last game for Eagles in the play-off semi-final defeat at Halifax.
"We need an experienced half-back," said Aston. "We have Simon Brown who is a young kid and at Halifax some of his decisions were poor. We need someone to develop these kids and Brendon won't be here so we will bring someone in. It will never be a quick fix at Eagles and these kids are the key to the future."
Aston could make a return to Halifax to sign Luke Branighan. The Australian, who was with Gateshead Thunder in 2009 and plays international rugby for Malta, could fit the bill. The Malta link makes Branighan attractive with visitMalta.com being Sheffield United's main sponsor. The Eagles played eight home games at Bramall Lane in the past season and hope to continue to play at the Blades' stadium again next season.
Aston added: "Out of respect to our players I will sit down with every single one of them and talk to them whether they are in the plans or not. We have plenty of people in the bag who have signed and plenty of quality players who want to come here. They know what we do and the club sells itself; it's a professional, honest club."
In the row with Halifax over former player Sam Barlow, the West Yorks club has replied to the Eagles approach for compensation but neither club is commenting.
Just cause he has a Maltese Passport means nothing nowadays, National Sides are no Longer National sides when they recruit players who's grandads once lived there etc. 
