PETER Schroeck is predicting a different challenge when his Oxford Spires side travel to defending Premiership champions Sheffield Tigers.

Spires beat the Tigers 47-43 on home shale last week, with that meeting the first time Sheffield was on track in 2024.

Simon Stead’s side have since secured two points away to Birmingham Brummies, having come from 10 points down to win a super heat following a 45-45 draw.

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Previewing the clash against a Tigers side racing at Owlerton Stadium for the first time since lifting the Premiership trophy, Schroeck said: “Sheffield have already announced they’re going to be a big player in the Premiership this season, in my view.

“They’ve showed a lot of determination and fight in their two meetings to date, so we’ll need to be riding at our best.

“As for ourselves, confidence and spirit in the camp is really high with two wins under our belt before the turn of the month.

“What excites me is we still have room for improvement, which I’d expect at this time of year given we’re only in the opening weeks of the season.

“Thursday will be a new challenge for the team, but most of the boys have experience riding at Sheffield so we’ll look to use that to our advantage. It’s a busy Easter weekend for the club. Hopefully we can start things on the right note.”