SHEFFIELD have made two team changes on the eve of their ROWE Oil Premiership clash with Oxford.
Lewis Kerr and Justin Sedgmen will line-up for the Tigers at Owlerton on Thursday night as the 28-day facility for injured Tai Woffinden runs out.
Danyon Hume is replaced after a difficult start to the season.
Both have previous experience of the South Yorkshire club, Sedgmen first signing for the then Championship Tigers in 2019 before shorter stints with the club in the top-flight in 2021 and 2022.
Kerr also came into the line-up late in 2022 and was released shortly before the play-offs the following year to make way for 2012 World Champion Chris Holder just weeks before the Tigers were crowned Premiership champions.
Team manager Simon Stead feels both signings have a point to prove.
He said: “It was great to see the video of Tai walking out of hospital last Friday.
“We know he’s got a long road ahead of him but he’s already making remarkable progress; he’ll certainly remain in our thoughts.
“Also thanks to Danyon who is the unfortunate victim of the position and situation we’ve found ourselves in.
“We have a responsibility to do what we feel is the best thing for our team and our club and we have to look after our supporters.
“Initially our thought was to find someone to directly replace Tai but, although we explored every realistic possible avenue, there was nobody suitable available to slot straight in.
“So we’ve had to change the dynamics of our line-up but I think we’ve found a sensible solution and formed a new look to our team that still leaves us in a really strong position to challenge for honours.
“When you look at the points we were achieving from Tai’s rider replacement cover and Danyon’s rides combined, I think the two lads coming in can easily match that as a minimum.
“Both are really excited, extremely keen to be back in the top division and with Sheffield where they both feel they’ve got unfinished business.
“With the way Leon Flint has hit the ground running, we will always have a really strong reserve pairing.
“I think it puts us in a really envious position and I’m looking forward to getting the lads together for the first time against Oxford.”
Words by George Dodds.
Images by Taylor Lanning.