TIGERS duo Ricky Ashworth and Joel Parsons have been included in Belle Vue's Elite League squad for the new season.

Parsons will share a doubling-up role with James Wright and Ashworth has been named as the Manchester club's number eight.

Salford-based Ashworth is thrilled with the opportunity to represent his local club.

He said: “It's fantastic news for me that I will be Belle Vue's No 8 next season. Obviously I hope that I don't get into the side because someone is injured but I do hope I will get a few meetings.

“I'm very happy to be part of the Belle Vue squad and I'll be down there as often as possible to practise and to learn.

“I did think about trying to move into the Elite League this season but I've got a very good sponsorship at Sheffield and I want to be 100 per cent sure the time is right before I do make the step up.

“I've had a go in the top division at Poole and Peterborough but I never did myself justice and I know now that I must be absolutely bang on before doing it.”