Speedway: Sheffield's new Rising Star pledges to 'give it his all' for Tigers
Sheffield have confirmed their ‘Rising Star’ for 2026, with the new signing pledging to ‘give it his all’ for the club.
Australian born Luke Killeen has been announced as the rider who will line up at number seven for Tigers next season, having ridden for Oxford in the Premiership last season.
The 20-year-old said this evening: “I’m delighted to announce that I’ll be the Rising Star for the Sheffield Tigers in 2026.
“A huge thank you to the management for selecting me and for the opportunity. A top club with a proud history, and I’m really looking forward to getting started and giving it my all.”
He has guested for the club in the past, against Ipswich at Owlerton in Tigers colours in 2024.
Luke’s 2025 premiership average was listed by Speedway GB as 3.15 (green sheet 2.72), and he takes over the club’s Rising Star space from Leon Flint, who is also riding for the club as a senior next season along with Jack Holder and Anders Rowe.
He improved his Championship average last season by nearly a point and a half
Tigers co-owner Damien Bates said: “The Rising Star programme is developing all the time and from a rider’s point of view, it’s about seeing their progression.
“Leon did an excellent job of that last season and now it’s time to give someone else an opportunity.
“Luke’s been getting regular Premiership meetings since part way through 2024 now and he’ll want to put all his experiences to good use next year.
“A new home track will take him a bit of time to adapt to and get settled into, of course it will, but his Championship performances alone show what he is capable of and that he is moving in the right direction.
“From what I have seen of Luke previously, he’s fully committed, he gives it his all and that’s a trait which always goes down well with the Sheffield supporters.”
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Sheffield had fifth pick for rising stars, as they had topped the Premiership table last season.
The other selections saw Belle Vue pick William Cairns ; Ipswich select Jason Edwards ; King’s Lynn opt forJody Scott ; and Leicester sign Dan Gilkes.
Five teams have been confirmed as riding for the season by the annual promoters meeting. Only three will make the play=offs, with the top team going straight to the final.
The points limit has been set at 37 for six riders, with each team to be completed by a Rising Star according to the existing criteria.