Rugby League: Eagles start clear out

SHEFFIELD EAGLES are getting rid of two of their first team players on free transfers with a warning that there could be more to follow, writes Dave Hadfield.

The club, 11th in the JJB Super League with only eight wins all season, have made the forwards Michael Jackson and Paul Anderson available.

Jackson, the former Wakefield, Halifax and Great Britain second row, has been hampered by injury during his time at the Don Valley while Anderson, an Academy international, arrived from St Helens this year but has spent part of the season on loan to Leigh.

The Eagles have hinted at a major clear out after their disappointing season, with only the youngsters Dale Cardoza and Chris Thorman guaranteed new contracts.

The first signs of a possible exodus come amid speculation about where the club will play next season. They have been linked with a move to Chesterfield and are delaying launching new season tickets until they know their destination.

Craig Makin, the Salford prop, has escaped suspension after being sent off for a careless high tackle against St Helens on Sunday.

Huddersfield are to give a debut to Troy Slattery, the South Sydney forward, against Halifax on Sunday and are also negotiating to take Bramley's full- back, Mark Sibson, on loan for the rest of the season.

The Rugby League has agreed to finance an administrator to take charge of the burgeoning Rugby League Conference, the competition based outside the game's heartlands which already has 20 applications, ranging from Portsmouth to the North-east, for membership next season.

Derrick Schofield, the former Rochdale Hornets, Halifax and Great Britain forward who played against New Zealand in 1955, has died aged 71.