PIRATES have tonight announced Steve Worrall will be staying at the club for 2023 - and will be number one and captain. 

The St Helens-born star has played a key role in the club’s double wins in both 2021 and 2022. 

And with a testimonial for the British star also set to be held at Poole, Worrall is set for a season to remember on the south coast. 

He told the club’s website: "I am really happy to be back with the Pirates for a third season and really honoured to be invited to be team captain. 

“I know I have big boots to fill following in Danny (King’s) footsteps after all he was able to lead the team to. 

“It's a role that I believe won't come unnatural to me and added to that, I have picked up a couple of things whilst being around Danny for the past two seasons. 

“I am looking forward to pulling that race suit on again and get out there and represent the Pirates in every race. 

“I feel it is a real honour and like I said, am really looking forward to getting together with the lads and getting the ball rolling for the new season.”

Poole promoter Danny Ford said: "Steve is very popular with the fans and management alike. He has never disappointed since joining us and has been so instrumental in us twice winning the double. 

“This season we are going to push him a little further though by naming him as captain, although he is not entirely new to that role having previously skippered both Scunthorpe and Newcastle. 

“It will also be a big season for him as he will be celebrating his testimonial campaign, and his meeting will be staged at Poole at a date to be confirmed."

Worrall becomes the first rider to be named by Pirates for the 2023 season