RYLANDS Sharks’ first team return to action this weekend after a four-week break, having strengthened on and off the field.

Three players have rejoined the club, while head coach Matt Wilson has added the experienced Eddie Harris and Nick Owen to his coaching set-up.

Former back-rower Harris is on board in an assistant coach and mentoring role to Wilson, bringing with him a wealth of coaching experience and knowledge from his time with Woolston Rovers and Warrington Wizards.

Former Warrington Wolves winger Nick Owen arrives as first team coach.

“It’s brilliant to be in a position to bring such great people into the club,” said Wilson.

“Mal Mason and Liam Lawton have been helping me as much as they could but they have a job on their own with our second team, who are improving every week.

“I have been asking Eddie to be involved for a long time and as soon as he came down and watched us train he knew that this was a job he could really get his teeth into.

“Nick and I have been really close friends for a long long time and came through junior and professional ranks playing together so it was a no-brainer to bring someone of his experience into the club to work with the young lads and help them develop.

“It’s exciting times to be involved at Rylands, and everyone is starting to buy into that.”

Wilson’s men head to Haydock on Saturday with three former Rylands juniors having returned to the fold; Jordan Ansell and Jon Rigby have switched from Crosfields, while former Wolves academy player Jamie Howard is on board too.

After changes in fixture scheduling and being knocked out of the cup in early rounds, Sharks have used the last four weeks to step up their intensity in training and hope to continue where they left off when defeating Folly Lane 20-12.

Wilson said: “After our first win we really wanted to kick on and get some momentum but that wasn’t possible.

“We knew against Folly Lane it was all about character.

“There was still a huge amount of work to be done regarding our efforts with the ball in hand, but the lads’ attitude and commitment in the majority has been exceptional.

“They have been working harder than ever.”

Rylands A take on Manchester Rangers at Gorsey Lane on Saturday, kick off 2.30pm.