40 from 40 Years: The 2000s

An uncompromising prop forward who made ground every time he got the A key figure in the launch of the new Eagles in 2000, the first captain of the new era and the first try scorer. A powerful forward who led from the front.

The first game of the "new" Sheffield Eagles after the merger of the old club with Huddersfield Giants at the end of the 1999 season. The new side were put together in less than two months and managed to win their first game 33-20, playing in the Lancashire Lynx away kit. The honour of being the first try scorer of the new era, as well as captain went to Jon Bruce.

One of the players who helped rebuild the Eagles in 2000. The tall centre or loose forward not only scored tries, but he could be relied on as a goal kicker.

Watch Richard play his part in the rebuilding of the Eagles after the merger in 1999, with progress being made on and off the pitch. This game saw a home victory against Barrow Raiders, when the Eagles scored seven tries to Barrow’s two, winning 40-16 including two tries and six goals from Richard.

The Eagles player of the year in 2002. The tall fullback quickly became known for his powerful runs, try scoring ability and reliability at fullback.

Watch Andy score one of his 19 tries that season during the Eagles first home match of the 2002 season against Gateshead Thunder, within whose ranks were seven former Eagles players. The Eagles went on to win 32-4.

Born in Hemel Hempstead, outside the rugby league heartlands, he became one of the best forwards in the division with great footwork and an ability to offload.

Watch Jack in the last game of the 2003 season beating Workington 56-11 and finishing top of the league. The Eagles didn't achieve promotion to League One that season, losing to Keighley in the play off final.

A great organiser on the field from halfback. The first choice goal kicker for many years and key to the success of the Club both on and off the pitch.

The Eagles took on the amateur team Leigh Miners in the third round of the Challenge Cup in torrential conditions. The home side pulled ahead in the second half but the win for the Eagles was rescued by a try and conversion from Gavin Brown.

Sheffield born but raised in Australia. He was a standout performer at fullback or halfback in his first season at the Club, scoring both tries and goals.

Watch John kick two goals during a season which he scored 15 tries and 40 goals. A solid 30-18 win for the Eagles towards the end of a challenging season, rebuilding after the merger of 1999.

Hugely influential on and off the pitch, giving the team a new direction. He had an ability to take control and organise, making others follow his game plan.

Watch Brendon score a 11 minute hat trick in the first game of the League Two season against Keighley played in icy rain. After a slow start the Eagles went on to dominate the game winning 44-12.

A fast, powerful winger who played for the Eagles on four separate occasions. Tacklers struggled to put him down and fans were excited when he got the ball.

Watch Rob score two tries in the 2006 Grand Final victory over Swinton 35-10. After reforming in 2000 the Club secured promotion for the first time.

The 2002 league young player of the year was a prolific try scorer for the Eagles. He was an ever reliable goal kicker and rock solid at fullback.

A home tie against Batley Bulldogs which saw the Eagles win their first double of the season. It was a hard earned three points as the Eagles were pushed all the way by a battling Batley side. Sheffield just edged a lively first half thanks to a hat-trick of tries from Jonny Woodcock with the fullback converting his scores.

The "Jukebox" - an Eagles legend with unstoppable runs and a tackling style feared by opposition players. He holds the Club's try scoring record.

Watch Menzie score four tries for the Eagles in his first season at the Club. This was a 78-8 win for the Eagles, against a struggling Doncaster who had to play their home game at Featherstone.