SHEFFIELD Tigers could hardly have wished for a tougher start to their Premier Trophy campaign as they face reigning league champions Edinburgh at Owlerton on Thhursday (7.45).

It’s the first meeting in a hectic schedule for the Sheffield Window Centre-backed side as they head to Scotland for the return on Friday and then go to Newcastle on Sunday.

Tigers are unchanged from the side which beat Scunthorpe in their Challenge match outing almost a fortnight ago.

Edinburgh have retained the bulk of their title-winning team including American ace Ryan Fisher, who is also riding in the Elite League under the double-up rule this season.

Sheffield owner Neil Machin said: "Edinburgh are a top team and we are looking forward to seeing how we shape up against them. If we can get our season proper off to a winning start then we'll be delighted.”

SHEFFIELD: Ricky Ashworth, Paul Cooper, Ritchie Hawkins, Joel Parsons, Richard Hall, Chris Mills, Josh Auty.
EDINBURGH: Ryan Fisher, Aaron Summers, Thomas H Jonasson, Andrew Tully, Matthew Wethers, Michal Rajkowski, Sean Stoddart.