MARK ASTON has paid Simon Brown a sizeable compliment as York City Knights’ stand-off gets set to return to his old stomping ground.

Brown was a key figure in Aston’s Sheffield side that beat the odds to win the Championship title last year.

He then joined the new-look Knights, who go to Bramall Lane tonight (7.30pm) hoping to end a barren run against the Eagles stretching back eight games to 2006.

Aston, himself a half-back, who famously took the man-of-the-match award as Sheffield lifted the Challenge Cup in 1998, said of his former general: “Simon Brown is one of the best kickers in the competition and will be keen to prove a point against us.

“Simon ‘managed’ the team and took them around the field. He did things like I did when I played and should get credit for that.”

Aston also cheekily suggested Brown might be regretting his move to York, adding: “He was a great player for us – we were disappointed when he left and I guess he might be disappointed he left. But we’ve moved on from that.”

Brown played 60 games in all for Sheffield, scoring 216 goals, four tries and four drop goals in just over two seasons.

Aston added: “Simon will turn up and put his best foot forward and try to show us what we are missing. It’s not easy when you play against former players because they want to make a statement.”

Sheffield have no new injuries to add to Joe Hirst and Vinny Finigan, who haven’t played this season.

They are likely to start with a similar pack to that which took on Workington on Sunday, but could make changes in the backs, with power-packed Menzie Yere poised to return to the centres in place of former Knight Matt Garside.

York-born Pat Smith could get another chance at stand-off but Patch Walker, who was brought in from Dewsbury to replace Brown in the off-season, could take his place, having come on for Smith early in the 28-24 win over Workington.

Unlike York, Aston has plenty of choice for forwards on the bench, with young reserve Connor Scott staking a claim, alongside Colton Roche, Liam Higgins and ex-Knights second-row Duane Straugheir, who is almost certain to feature having impressed so far this term.


Sheffield in focus

Last year: 4th (grand final winners).

Current league position: 5th.

Coach: Mark Aston.

Surprise – and wonderful – winners of the 2012 title after a second successive march through the play-offs to the grand final from fourth place at the end of the regular season.

They are rarely rated among the league’s biggest hitters at the start of each season, but seem to prove doubters wrong come the business end of term.

Stand-off Simon Brown, who kicked several teams to death last year, is now doing his stuff at York, as is back-rower Sam Scott, but Patch Walker joined from Dewsbury to fill Brown’s boots and re-form a partnership with scrum-half Dom Brambani.

The pack remains strong despite the loss of Alex Rowe, while overseas stars Quentin Laula-Togagae, Menzie Yere and Misi Taulapapa give devastating power on the fringes.

Squad for tonight: Quentin Laula-Togagae, Nev Morrison, Menzie Yere, Tom Armstrong, Misi Taulapapa, Patch Walker, Dom Brambani, Jack Howieson, Andrew Henderson, Mitch Stringer, Michael Knowles, Peter Green, Alex Szostak. Subs: from Matt Garside, Pat Smith, James Davey, Duane Straugheir, Connor Scott, Colton Roche, Liam Higgins.

One to watch: no opposition centre relishes seeing Menzie Yere run towards, past or over him.

Partnership club: none.

Season prediction: Play-off certainties but not among the biggest hitters.

Grounds: Bramall Lane (game against York will be played here) and Don Valley Stadium.

Miles from York: 58 (to Bramall Lane). For supporters’ bus info, phone 07763 121732.

Nearest train station: Sheffield 0.9 miles (to Bramall Lane). For train times and fares visit www.tpexpress.co.uk