Championship forward becomes first signing of Craig Lingard era at Sheffield Eagles

Sheffield Eagles have made their first signing since the appointment of Craig Lingard with a Championship veteran arriving at the club.

Lingard was appointed as head coach of Sheffield at the start of December after being axed at Castleford Tigers following Martin Jepson’s takeover.

His appointment with the Eagles came following the RFL coaching ban placed on Mark Aston and upon arrival, Lingard explained his need to get to know the squad before committing to signings.

The club had previously brought in ex-Super League players such as Morgan Smith and Corey Johnson but when asked about signings, Lingard previously explained: “It’s a bit too early to say but I think there are a couple of areas where he need to strengthen a little bit.”

He would add: “We’d like to bring somebody in who can play half-back of full-back, or both,” however, the first signing made comes at loose forward with Sheffield Eagles confirming a deal for Featherstone Rovers’ Jack Bussey.

Sheffield Eagles sign stalwart Bussey from Championship rivals

✍️ Sheffield Eagles are delighted to announce the signing of Jack Bussey following his departure from Featherstone Rovers.

🤝 Jack will be sponsored by Mediqas Group Ltd in 2025.#OneClub

— Sheffield Eagles (@SheffieldEagles) December 20, 2024

Bussey began his career with Featherstone Rovers back in 2012 and would have brief spells with London Broncos and Toronto Wolfpack before returning to Post Office Road in 2019.

He has played there for the past six seasons but he’ll be lining up against the Flat Cappers in 2025 after becoming the first signing of the Craig Lingard era at Sheffield.

The forward, who can play both second-row or loose forward, becomes the 26th member of the Eagles’ squad for 2025 with Sheffield putting together a squad that is very capable of challenging in 2025.

Their form fell off a cliff in 2024 and they eventually lost out on the play-offs on the final day at the expense of Bussey’s Featherstone. In a far more open competition in 2025 without Wakefield Trinity, Sheffield could be considered as strong contenders.

Bussey noted that when he spoke about his arrival, explaining: “It’s a fresh challenge and something I’ve needed.

“I’m here to win, I want to win everything – I’m a competitor. I’ll be trying my best to help the team win and get as far up the table, if not win it.”