HOT prospect Sam Martin has won the race for Sheffield Tigers' final team place ahead of the new season.

Martin, who will be 19 next month, has got the nod ahead of several club assets including Benji Compton, Luke Priest and Mark Thompson.

And the young Australian will also double-up with Scunthorpe's Conference League team in order to gain more valuable track time in what is sure to be a busy season.

Tigers co-promoter David Hoggart said: "This is a joint decision reached by Neil Machin, Eric Boocock and myself. It's a very important signing for us and we're delighted to welcome Sam on board.

"He had interest from other Premier League clubs but when Eric made him an offer on a 'take it or leave it' basis Sam jumped at the chance to ride for our club.

"He will start the season at reserve alongside Lee Smethills and we will be doing all we can to help him with his development. There is nobody better than Eric Boocock to help him both home and away and, of course, our superb captain Andre Compton."

Tigers, sponsored by Sheffield Window Centre, open the new season at Owlerton on Thursday, March 13 with the opposition still to be confirmed.

SAM MARTIN CAREER SUMMARY

Date of birth: 8 February 1989, Bedford Park, Adelaide, South Australia.

British career record:
2004-05 Oxford (Conference League)
2006 Boston (Conference League)
2007 Oxford (Conference League), Berwick (Premier League)
2008 Sheffield (Premier League), Scunthorpe (Conference League)