By Martin Morgan

Last updated at 13:20, Friday, 27 November 2009

Jason Mossop is backing himself to step up and make an impact at Championship level following his move to fancied Sheffield Eagles.

Jason Mossop crosses the try line

The ex-Hensingham amateur, who made 15 appearances for Championship One Workington Town last term, reckons the Yorkshire outfit can go better than last season, when they were the league’s surprise package, finishing just two points behind champs Barrow.

The ambitious Eagles hope a high-profile switch to Sheffield United’s Bramall Lane will bring back fans who drifted away.

And 24-year-old centre said: “We have some quality players in there, and I don’t see any reason why we can’t win it.

“I’m still young and I want to develop my game. Sheffield were really keen to sign me and it’s now all down to myself.

“There’s competition across the park, and I must try to cement my spot. The football ground has quality facilities and the atmosphere will be better than it was at Don Valley, where supporters were quite a way from the pitch.”

Mossop left Derwent Park as he is working full-time for a year in a Sheffield school, for a teaching qualification attached to the local university.

“I enjoyed my time at Workington and I have some really good mates there,” he added. “They have a new coaching set-up and some really good players, such as Liam Finch.

“I’m pretty disappointed I won’t be playing for them, but I’m also happy that I’ve signed for a really good club who finished third last season and are aiming higher.”

Mossop will be playing alongside Samoan international winger Misi Taulapapa, who has joined the Eagles from Cronulla Sharks. He has played around 30 games in the Aussie NRL.

Sheffield have switched home games to a Sunday afternoon next season.

First published at 11:19, Wednesday, 25 November 2009
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk