SHEFFIELD kickstart their 2023 Premiership campaign with a repeat of last year’s Grand Final against Belle Vue at Owlerton on Thursday (March 23, 7.30).

The Tru Plant Tigers were pipped to the title by their War of the Roses rivals last October as they narrowly missed out 91-89 on aggregate but have high hopes for the year ahead after assembling another solid septet.

Five members of last year’s runners-up side have been retained with former Tiger David Bellego returning to South Yorkshire after a spell with the club in 2015 and hot prospect Dan Gilkes stepping into the Rising Star reserve berth.

Their first challenge comes against the reigning Champions who have lured British Champ and Grand Prix star Dan Bewley back to Manchester to lead their side.

And Tru Plant Tigers skipper Kyle Howarth admits it’s a mouth-watering way to get the fixtures up and running.

“We’re going straight in at the deep end,” he said.

“It’s going to be a good test for both teams and it’s going to be an interesting meeting to get the season started.

“We know Belle Vue are going to be tough; they’ve put another strong team together and they’ve got riders who go well at Sheffield.

“They might be the reigning Champions but the slate is wiped clean, it’s back to a level playing field and it goes without saying that we’d love to start off with a win.”

A reminder that children aged 17 and under will be admitted for just £1 throughout 2023 with adult admission set at £22 while it’s £20 for concessions.

A new-look raceday programme will also be available trackside for £3 featuring an extended interview with Howarth plus much, much more.

SHEFFIELD: Jack Holder, David Bellego, Adam Ellis, Kyle Howarth, Tobiasz Musielak, Lewis Kerr, Dan Gilkes.

BELLE VUE: Dan Bewley, Norick Blodorn, Jaimon Lidsey, Charles Wright, Brady Kurtz, Tom Brennan, Jake Mulford.