PIRATES have signed Josh Grajczonek on a temporary basis as cover for the injured Davey Watt.
Former captain Watt suffered a broken left foot and damaged ankle ligaments in a pairs meeting at Polish club Krakow on Sunday.
Poole estimate the injury could rule Watt out for between four and six weeks, although he is seeking a treatment plan to hasten his recovery.
Grajczonek - who played a crucial role in last season's Elite League triumph - has been brought in for the interim period.
The 25-year-old will ride for Pirates in Good Friday's morning meeting against Swindon but will miss the evening clash with the Robins due to Somerset commitments.
A guest or rider replacement will be utilised in the absence of the Queenslander, a two-time league winner with Poole.
Promoter Matt Ford told the Pirates website: "I am very pleased to welcome Josh back in this temporary measure.
"I feel so gutted for Davey as he had worked really hard to get back to full fitness after several knocks last season and I know that he is extremely frustrated with this latest situation.
"His injuries are, I am led to believe, pretty nasty and they will take a little time to heal and covering all that time with rider replacement and or guests wouldn't have been an ideal situation.
"Josh was keen to come back and I am sure that it will be a seamless transition during Watty's absence."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here