Sheffield Eagles coach Mark Aston has confirmed he remains on the look-out for a player to fill his vacant number seven shirt, but he has been buoyed by the progress of former St Helens youngster Dave Hewitt.
Aston outlined his frustration at being unable to secure a visa for an Australian halfback in last week’s League Express, which has since been confirmed as being former Gold Coast playmaker Beau Henry.
The Eagles coach would still like to bring in an experienced playmaker before the start of the Championship season, but he says young pairing Hewitt and Cory Aston have performed well in pre-season.
Aston said: “Yes, we are looking at other things, but young Dave Hewitt has mightily impressed me.
“The kid started against Dewsbury last week and didn’t look at all out of place – he looked very comfortable.
“Cory is ready now, there’s no doubt about that. He and Dave controlled matters and looked dangerous at times.
“We’re mindful that they are 20 and 19, but they’ve both got plenty of ability.
“We also have Michael Knowles who can slot in there if we need him to, and Elliot Minchella who can play as a ball playing 13, and playing stand-off is no different.
“But we will keep on looking.”
