JAMES TO LEAD LION CUBS

LEICESTER have announced a return for Max James to their NDL team and the 17-year-old will also take over as captain.

James is a former mascot at Beaumont Park and he made his first appearances for the Lion Cubs in their title-winning season of 2022 before playing a full part in another victorious campaign this year when Joe Thompson was skipper.

He said: “It’s amazing, having grown up from being mascot all the way to becoming captain of the team is really cool.

“I’m sure the fans will enjoy that, from them seeing me at a young age. I don’t look quite as young now, but I’m sure it’s a really good thing for them to see the progression, and I think it’s nice to see my own progression and to come all this way to be captain.

“I’ve now got to fill Joe’s shoes, and I’ll be trying to mentor the younger riders just like the Thompson twins did.”