Sheffield Tigers can win the League trophy, says Stead

The Tigers last won the Premier League title back in 2002 but have enjoyed a return to prominence under their new promotion in the last two years.

Having been a member of that historic double-winning side over a decade ago, Stead knows better than most what it takes to bring success to Owlerton.

As they prepare to bid for their first home win of the campaign against local rivals Scunthorpe tomorrow (7.30), the hugely popular 33-year-old has backed the exciting Tigers side to go all the way.

“I think there is definitely the potential for us to get some silverware this year, I really do,” Stead said.

“I’m more confident this year than I have been in any other year in the team we’ve put out. It’s a really strong team and one that the promotion have done a great job in assembling.

“It’s down to us now to live up to the expectations and do what we are capable of. We’ll obviously need some luck along the way, but I’ll be really disappointed if we haven’t got some silverware come the end of the season.”

The Tigers were held to a 45-45 draw in dramatic circumstances on home shale against Peterborough last week as bike troubles when leading cost Stead victory in a last-heat decider.

He conceded it was a disappointing result on his Owlerton comeback after almost a year sidelined through injury – but he was keen to look at the positives following another encouraging performance from their new-look side.

He added: “We were disappointed not to get the victory, but I don’t think anyone could fault the effort from the team and I think anyone who was watching would probably agree that we were unfortunate not to come out on top.

“There were plenty of positives to take, I’m really pleased with how the team is riding and even though we still have work to do things are positive.

“If we all start firing at the same time we are going to be seriously competitive, and I think it’s probably only a matter of time until that happens.”