Sheffield Eagles make double signing for 2017

Former Warrington Wolves prop Cox, signed on a one-year deal, became the first new face to join the club yesterday as Mark Aston continues to shape his squad.

And the 24-year-old will be joined today by Hope - the second-rower had a temporary spell at the Eagles from parent club Salford in 2014 - who has agreed a 12-month deal.

“This lad (Cox) has bags of ability and, at 24, still has the potential to improve,” director of rugby and acting CEO Aston said.

“His talent isn’t in question, that’s why coaches were prepared to take him in Super League, he can play, of that there is no doubt.

“He is a character, he has shown a real desire to play by coming here, and we are all looking forward to seeing him pull on the red and gold jersey.”

Cox started out at Hull Kingston Rovers, and had loan spells at Huddersfield and Halifax before joining Warrington and last season made 18 appearances, 16 in Super League.

Ireland international Hope, 23, made 11 appearances for the Eagles during his first spell with the club, and arrives after appearing 23 times for Oldham in the Kingstone Press Championship last season.

Aston, who has worked with Hope at close quarters in his coaching capacity with Ireland, said: “We had an advantage when we moved to sign Will because obviously he is someone I know really well.

“We first came across him when we brought him in on loan from Salford a couple of years ago, and I saw a player there who had bags of potential.

“When he first arrived on our doorstep he was a quiet lad, but through my role with Ireland I have seen him develop tremendously over the past couple of years, and I firmly believe there is far more to come.”