HAWKINS: TIGERS STILL STRONG

IPSWICH boss Ritchie Hawkins says Grand Final opponents Sheffield will still pose a strong test this week despite their injuries.

The Tigers head into the Sports Insure Premiership title decider without heat-leaders Tai Woffinden and Tobiasz Musielak after recent crashes, with reserve Claus Vissing also sidelined.

The first leg of the Grand Final has been pushed back by 24 hours to Tuesday due to an adverse weather forecast for Foxhall on Monday.

Hawkins said: “Sheffield have got bad injuries and are not running with their team, but they are in a position where they can bring in good guests to compensate for this.

“I don’t think it will massively weaken them and I think they will bring a very strong side and one that will be very determined to deal with any conditions they will face.

“They will come prepared; they have been to Ipswich recently and will know what to expect from the track.

“They will be coming to try and win the meeting and we need to be on top of our game.”