FAMILY TRIES
Loan star Cory out to follow dad into Cup history books
CORY ASTON grew up listening to stories of Challenge Cup glory from dad Mark – now he wants to write some chapters of his own.
Mark Aston was the key man – winning him the Lance Todd Trophy – in the biggest cup final shock in the sport’s history when Sheffield Eagles toppled the mighty Wigan in 1998.
Cory was just three at the time and was pictured on his dad’s shoulders on the Wembley pitch after the unforgettable game.
Tonight he lines up for Featherstone Rovers against Championship rivals Halifax for a spot in this year’s quarter-finals.
Cory told Mirror Sport: “I don’t remember a great deal about the day in 1998 but my dad has told me a fair bit about it.
“He told me he was knocked out in the first 20 minutes and doesn’t remember much of the game, which just wouldn’t happen now with the concussion rules.
“He plays it pretty cool but the Challenge Cup is embedded into my family history.”
Aston is on loan at Featherstone after signing a two-year deal with Leeds in the winter, leaving dad Mark and Sheffield behind.
The Rhinos allowed him to face Oldham in the last round even though it cup-tied him for them – and now Rovers could make the quarter-finals if they can beat Fax in tonight’s televised tie.
Aston said: “At the start of the year I played just once in 11 weeks, which was very frustrating.
“Once I got my opportunity at Featherstone I didn’t want to let it go because there are some good halfbacks here.
“Leeds were happy to let me play in the last round and it’s worked out well.
“We’ve put a lot of focus on this game and it’s a big one – Halifax are playing well. Both clubs have got a lot of history in the competition and to reach a quarter-final would be massive.”