Newcastle’s new recruits boast the hunger, hoops knowhow and grasp of Eagles history required to fire the club towards a new era of success.

That’s the verdict of head coach Marc Steutel as he readies his troops for tonight’s hotly anticipated Super League Basketball (SLB) opener.

A mouthwatering clash sees two giants of the game resume a storied rivalry stretching back three decades.

And Steutel can’t wait to see how his new recruits match up against Sheffield Sharks at the Vertu Motors Arena (7.30pm tip).

“I’ve talked about how important it is to have returning players with experience of this league but it’s exciting to blood some new talent too,” said the GB playcaller.

“We’ve got two rookies in Jaelin Llewellyn and De’Sean Allen-Eikens and I love the fact that both of them are learning and getting better every day.

“They’re both unique players in their own way and they bring the X factor to our roster.

“Jaelin showed signs throughout the Bristol pre-season game of understanding what we need from him and what we need quickly.

“De’Sean has shown that he’s a unique type of player throughout his college career and I think he’s going to impact on games in a number of different ways.

“Seneca [Knight] is a second year pro who’s just proving to be a delight to work with in terms of his coachability and how much he wants to improve and he’s been so positive from day one.

“Cole Long is someone who cares about basketball and about playing the game in the right way. Some nights he’ll pack the stat sheet and other nights he may not but he’ll always make a winning impact.

“Mike Okauru is a third year American who I was super excited about picking up and he’s proof of the importance of pre-season.

“It took him a game or two to get to grips with what we need from him and he wasn’t in the best rhythm right away. But Mike’s decision-making is what made him stand out in the first place and that’s where he’ll come into his own.”

Steutel has been impressed with the way his new signings have shown a desire to dig deep into British basketball and learn about the styles and standard they can expect.

The club’s US cohort is under no illusion that the Sharks represent the stiffest of opening night tests and they understand the stakes are high against Newcastle’s northern rivals.

“I’ve been sharing the history of the Eagles and the history of the league with the new guys and they’re super-engaged and keen to learn,” added Steutel.

“They want to know what lies at the root of the rivalries, what style of play the Sharks favour and where we can find a way to win.

“After what’s been a turbulent summer with so much uncertainty it’s amazing that we’ve reached this stage and that we’re getting ready to face Sheffield at the Vertu Motors Arena.

“The Sharks have recruited well and I expect them to play a slightly different style to previous seasons given their personnel.

“The chance to open up the season in front of our fans is something we don’t take for granted and it’s a great opportunity.

“It’s a game that we’re all looking forward to.”

Remaining tickets for tonight’s SLB Trophy clash are available on the box office and on the door.