The club was founded under the name “Junior Eagles” in 1989 as a first attempt to develop rugby league below professional level after the formation of the Sheffield Eagles in 1984. After three seasons without a base the club found a permanent home in the disused athletics stadium in Hillsborough Park. The Hillsborough Arena Sports Association was set up and began work on grant applications that was to reach fruition with a successful Sports Lottery grant in 1996.