JACK Holder believes linking up with long-time buddy Brady Kurtz will help his maiden voyage in the British top flight run smoothly.

Doubling-up rider Holder is poised to take the plunge in the SGB Premiership and will do so with compatriot Kurtz by his side after the latter was kept aboard Pirates' ship.

The duo became firm friends during their rise through the ranks in Australia and Holder reckons he will feel comfortable in the pits from an early stage given the familiar face he can turn to.

Holder told the Daily Echo: "I have one of best mates here in Brady, so that's awesome. I'm sure we will have a laugh along the way.

"I've signed for Peterborough as well and I don't really know anyone in their team. I'm sure it will be all right as eventually you get to know each other but it's always good to have a fellow Aussie you can talk to and have a laugh with.

"It's awesome that me and Brady are finally on the same team."

Holder, who turns 21 today, arrived at Poole just after older brother and former world champion Chris moved on to King's Lynn.

And Holder junior feels the time is right for him to make the step up after a two seasons in the second tier with Plymouth.

He said: "I wouldn't be here if I wasn't ready. It's a big step up for me but it should be a good year.

"Everyone back in Australia wants to come here because it's the best club and you get well looked after.

"They have a lot of trophies in the cabinet so it's a big club to come to and I feel honoured to come here and be part of the team.

"My brother was here for a while and I was down here pretty much every time he raced there, so I know what it's like and he tells me a few things.

"He's my big brother and I look up to him a lot. People always say, 'is Jack going to be as good as him?' but I know what I can do.

"If I can be better than him, of course I'm going to do it. I'm not too fazed by what people say – I'm Jack."

Holder is due to miss tomorrow's Darcy Ward Invitational as he has SGB Championship commitments with Peterborough, who take on Scunthorpe at the East of England Showground.

And the former Australian under-21 champion admitted he was gutted to be missing the curtain-raiser at Wimborne Road.

He added: "It's a shame. I wanted to be in Darcy's meeting, it would have been good to be a part of and to race for him.

"I'm racing at Peterborough which is a bit of a bummer but I'm sure Darcy will get a good crowd and the night will be a success."