Machin believes Cooper can help turn Sheffield's season around

Sheffield Tigers promoter Neil Machin has said he is expecting a change in his side's fortunes with a late charge towards the play-offs.

Speaking ahead of Thursday night's meeting against Newcastle, Machin said he believes Paul Cooper is key to the team turning around their season.

He told BBC Radio Sheffield: "Paul has to find a greater level of consistency, he's shown what he can do.

"Right now he's at reserve and for the next few weeks he's our trump card."

With Lee Smethills still out injured with a fractured vertebrae Cooper will be given more rides through the evening and that is why Machin feels he could be the difference between success and failure.

"The Cooperman has been as hot and cold as the rest of the team but when he is riding well he gives us a lot of options at the bottom end of the team and we need him to weigh in with the points."

Tapes go up at Owlerton on Thursday at 1945 BST.