SHEFFIELD EAGLES coach Craig Lingard is mulling over professional golfer Mark McGeehan’s contribution after his side produced a good back nine to beat Whitehaven.

The Leeds-based 47-year-old plays on regional professional circuits and is also a highly-regarded performance coach.

Lingard invited his mate McGeehan to a Sheffield training session, and listened as he spoke about dealing with adversity, building resilience and maintaining a positive mindset when facing challenges.

Days later, the Eagles stepped up in the second half to beat the Cumbrians 50-14 and seal a first win at their new MEPS International Home of Football Stadium base.

“It was interesting both hearing what Mark had to say and seeing how various players responded,” said Lingard.

“Some liked it and got a lot out of it, some took some bits and pieces, but it wasn’t for others, and that’s fine.

“I think it made a lot of the lads think, and that’s good, because the mental side of sport is a big thing, and there’s more knowledge about it than ever.

“It can be considering how things off the field can affect performance on it, or how a decision during a game can impact on the next few involvements.”

Sheffield scored 34 of their points in the second half, and Lingard added: “We spoke about being consistent with shape and running lead lines with real purpose.

“Doing that in the middle dragged opponents in and created space on the edges which we exploited.”

Lingard started recent signing Greg Eden at fullback and saw him score two tries.

“Greg creates threat with his running and passing, and I thought we were that bit crisper,” he said of the former Super League and NRL player who started the season at North Wales.