Sheffield Eagles 34 Wigan Warriors 50: Aston praises 'character' of Eagles in final re-run

That day the Eagles upset the odds to win 17-8 at Wembley. The Championship team were again outsiders against the Super League leaders at Bramall Lane.

Sheffield went behind to a first minute try but took the lead and it took a burst of scoring by Wigan either side of half-time to book a fifth round place. Wigan can thank a great performance from half-back Sam Tomkins who scored a hat-trick of tries.

The Eagles had their own hat-trick man in former Hull FC winger Richie Barnett who is making a comeback after two-years out of the game.

Sheffield eagles coach Mark Aston said his side had shown "character".

He said: "That was what rugby league is about. The atmosphere was great, this stadium (Bramall Lane) and some of the players can deliver Super League to this club. We were outstanding, at half-time there was really nothing between us – what I'm really proud of is that we are the first team to score a try in the first 10 minutes against Wigan this season.

"It was a massive effort from the guys and we got stronger and stopped them scoring in the last 15 or 20 minutes when we scored some great tries.

"I have always believed that we can be competitive against any team and this should give us the kick-start we need in the league.

"We were the underdogs in 1998 and we stood up and the lads today did the club proud."

A Pat Richards try gave Wigan an early lead but the Eagles edged ahead with a Yere try converted by Mitch Stringer and touchdown from Barnett.

Wigan hit back with tries before half-time from Martin Gleeson, George Carmont, Iafeta Palea'aesina and Sean O'Loughlin with Richards adding the goals. Two Tomkins tries and a touchdown from Andrew Coley made the game safe for Wigan.

Eagles came back with Barnett racing in before Tomkins completed his hat-trick and Richards's seventh goal brought up the 50 points for Wigan.

Alex Rowe, a 70-metre try from Barnett and solo effort from Brendon Lindsay plus Stringer making it five goals rewarded the Eagles' determination.

Sheffield: Taulapapa, Thackeray Ropati, Yere, Barnett; Lindsay, McDonald; Howieson, Cook, Stringer; Szostak, Green, Hirst, Substitutes: Mossop, Barlow, Rowe, Haley.

Wigan: Phelps; Goulding, Gleeson, Carmont, Richards; O'Loughlin, Sam Tomkins; Fielden, Riddell, Prescott, Bailey, Joel Tomkins, Mossop. Substitutes: Cley, McIlrum, Palea'aesine, Farrell.

Referee: I Smith (RFL).