RORY Schlein, who spent part of his early professional career with Sheffield’s reserve team, will be back at Owlerton for their opening meeting on Sunday week.

Schlein will take his place in the club’s 90th Anniversary meeting on March 24 (4pm) after calling club bosses and asking for the opportunity.

And he’ll be joined by French World Pairs star David Bellego, who has just been snapped up by Premiership Ipswich.

Former Sheffield favourite Josh Grajczonek, who races on a Polish licence, has been called back to Poland that day for pre-season practice – and British youngster Kyle Bickley will move to reserve to accommodate Bellego.

Tigers co-promoter Damien Bates said: “Rory is a class act around Owlerton and he’ll fancy his chances of coming here and winning the meeting.

“He rode for the Prowlers as a kid and has always looked good around here, he’ll be a great addition to the line-up.

“David is in for a big season with Ipswich and France and he will also be thinking he has a chance of coming here and winning our meeting.

“It’s sad we have lost Josh but as he rides on a Polish licence he has to abide by what his Polish club demand on this occasion and we wish him all the best for the season ahead.”

LINE-UP: Kasper Andersen, David Bellego, Ryan Douglas, Rory Schlein, Kyle Howarth, Drew Kemp, Zaine Kennedy, Lewis Kerr, Danny King, Todd Kurtz, Simon Lambert, Broc Nicol, Ty Proctor, Steve Worrall.