General-manager Mike O'Connor is licking his lips at the prospect of watching teammates Joey Talbot and Ashley Tait compete for the title of principal goal sniper in the squad.

Last season, it was the Canadian, Talbot, who triumphed, scoring 39 goals in 68 games.

But 32-year-old Tait delivered 32 strikes from 59 outings in a campaign blighted by a nasty concussion injury on Boxing Day.

Tait returned to action on January 19, but was a shadow of himself for some time.

He did not consistently score in the second half of the season, but had done enough earlier to keep him near the top of the club net-busting charts.

Now O'Connor believes the rested Tait will mount a serious challenge to Talbot, 28.

"It took time for Ash to return to his best after that injury, but we certainly saw it in the Play-offs.

"He really is a warrior; a very competitive player and I expect him next season to be a leader in every way.

"He is one of the league's greatest players because of his skating, determination and gift around the net.

"He has got the knack of scoring - but two players in the same position and one might not score but the other will...that's Ashley Tait" said O'Connor.

"The key is getting into scoring opportunities and both he and Joey can do that. They aren't the biggest of players and sometimes they take a beating, but they are similarly tenacious and keep on going.

"A battle between them to be leading scorer is one we just cannot lose!"

*Tomorrow: Exclusive: The real reason why supporters pay to watch Steelers - and its not for the team or the sport.

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