JAMES Birkinshaw will miss the rest of the season after shattering his hand in Sheffield's home win over the Isle of Wight.

Birkinshaw, Sheffield born and bred, was in his comeback meeting after a shoulder injury when he was hit by Islanders star Cory Gathercole in what Tigers owner Neil Machin described as a 'vicious assault'.

The club will have to draft in guest replacements for the remaining weeks of the campaign and they have booked Birmingham's Ben Powell for Sunday's 'must win' trip to Newport (3pm).

Said Birkinshaw: "What a night it was on Thursday. I'd been feeling really good with 11+2 and then that happened to me. It's been confirmed that the hand is shattered and there is no way I can ride again this season.

"It's something which has frustrated me and now I'll just have to ensure the healing process is without complication and I'll be fit and ready for next March.

"But I wish the lads all the best for Sunday at Newport and hope we can get into the play-offs."

NEWPORT: Michal Rajkowski, Tom Hedley, Phil Morris, Tony Atkin, Chris Schramm, Nick Simmons, Barry Burchatt.
TIGERS: Ricky Ashworth, Ben Wilson, Andre Compton, Paul Cooper, Joel Parsons, Ben Powell, James Cockle.