TIGERS are desperate to get their teeth into the new season at Ipswich on Thursday (7.30).

Simon Stead’s men have seen back-to-back meetings with Peterborough washed out and are still waiting for their first home meeting since 2019.

They’ll be without Aussie ace Jack Holder at Foxhall due to travel complications back to Poland and will operate the rider replacement facility but Adam Ellis will finally get to make his debut.

Sheffield co-promoter Damien Bates said: “It’s been so frustrating for the lads to see meetings washed out, we’ve been waiting so long to get going again.

“Hopefully things are starting to look better now after the wet spell and we can get going at Ipswich.

“We enjoyed some great meetings with them in the Championship and it’s great to see two clubs with such a rich history in the sport now in the top level.

“They look a good side and I know our manager Simon Stead and the lads are expecting a really tough night, but after seeing meetings cancelled they’re keen to get going.”

Ipswich include triple World Champion Jason Crump who has been in the points since making his comeback after almost a decade out of the sport.

Bates added: “He’s going to be fine. He’s still a class act and he’ll score some good points for Ipswich. I’m looking forward to seeing him when Ipswich come to Sheffield.

“When you look at the sport’s all-time greats Jason will always be in that bracket.”

The Witches are led by former Sheffield man Danny King and also include another ex-Tiger in British youngster Drew Kemp.

IPSWICH: Jason Crump, Jordan Stewart, Cam Heeps, Jake Allen, Danny King, Anders Rowe, Drew Kemp.

SHEFFIELD: Troy Batchelor, Jack Holder R/R, Kyle Howarth, Justin Sedgmen, Adam Ellis, James Wright, Josh Bates.