Sheffield Tigers boost as Howarth agrees deal

Howarth, who piled up the points in a memorable run to the Grand Final last month, joins newcomers Lasse Bjerre and Jack Parkinson-Blackburn

And he’s revealed how an Owlerton return was always his first choice in the rebranded SGB Championship.

“I’m very happy to be back at Sheffield. Once I knew Damien (Bates) wanted me back it was always my first choice, so I’m pleased to have everything sorted,” he said. “It was a great club for me last season and it was a no brainer to come back. I enjoyed working with the people there plus the fans were loyal and always gave me lots of support.

“I had a good year there, and the club had a successful season as well by making it to the Grand Final.

“It would be incredible if we could go one better next season, but it’s a long way off. There will be eight months of hard work, and hopefully we’ll be there or thereabouts.

“I’m sure Sheffield will put a good team together, and we’ll just focus on getting off to a good start and trying to establish ourselves as one of the stronger teams.

“It was a nice, consistent, solid year for me not just at Sheffield but with Wolverhampton in the Elite League as well. I didn’t have a great season in 2015, but Sheffield gave me a chance. They took a gamble on me and I showed I can do it. I’d like to do the same again, and I’m just working hard over the winter to make sure I’m in the best shape possible for next season.

“It’s a long winter, but I’m working hard to sort out bikes and keep myself in good shape fitness wise. I’ll be ready to go in March and hopefully I can make 2017 another good year.”

Meanwhile Tigers are set to reveal season ticket prices in time for Christmas and more work on the remainder of the team continues with at least two new signings set to be added.