SHEFFIELD team manager Simon Stead has hit back at Leicester claims as “nonsense” that they don’t have enough hunger.
The Sheffield Windows Tigers face a crunch 48 hour away and then home clashes in the Championship Shield with the hotly-tipped Lions this Easter weekend.
But Stead has lashed out at Lions boss Stewart Dickson who questioned whether their big rivals can last the pace this season.
Stead said: “I think Stewart is trying to use mind games already. That means he is worried about Sheffield.
“I’m not going to get drawn into his trap. But all I will say is that he is talking nonsense. We have so much experience and know-how.
“I don’t think our teams are much different in the way they are built. There’s a lot of inexperience at the bottom end. But both sides absolutely ooze exciting kids and that’s why we are in for two brilliant meetings.
“But Dicko has been around a while and wants to wind us up. I don’t mind a bit of that but I’ll let our boys do the talking on the track.
“I think both teams are very strong on their own tracks. Both circuits have started with excellent racing but a good home advantage.
“Perhaps the most important aspect this season will be who can pick up the points on the road. I think we have more potential to do that.
“I’m very confident in our boys. We’ve had a couple of tricky away meetings so far. The boys are settling in and we will give Leicester a real hard go on Saturday. We are fired-up that’s for sure.”
Stead admits he’s over the moon with the form so far from new Aussie sensation Zaine Kennedy but says he needs time to get dialled in away from Owlerton.
He added: “Zaine has scored paid 20 points in his opening two home meetings which is nothing short of sensational. But he will need time to get used to away tracks.
“I feel all our younger guys will get going. They all have so much potential is frightening. I know they will all come good.”
Leicester v Sheffield, Saturday, April 20, 7.30pm.
