POOLE Pirates promoter Matt Ford hopes his club’s blossoming friendship with Somerset Rebels can help him steal a march in the race to sign Aussie wonderkid Brady Kurtz.

The 18-year-old, currently an asset with Premier League outfit, has enjoyed a flying start in the second flight with a green sheet average of 8.64 from 11 meetings in 2015.

Poole’s interest in adding Kurtz to their burgeoning asset base was initially reported by the Daily Echo last season with Ford remaining tight lipped on the prospect at the time.

But the Wimborne Road chief has now revealed his admiration for the double New South Wales State champion and predicted a flurry of interest from the Elite League's finest.

Ford told the Daily Echo: “Brady is an outstanding talent and someone who would be at home in the Elite League. I’m sure every single club wants to snap him up as an asset and that includes us.

“He is certainly someone both Neil (Middleditch, team manager) and I would love to work with and considering his connection to Somerset, I hope he sees his future down here in the south.”

And with Pirates asset Josh Grajczonek and reserve Paul Starke both riding for the Rebels in 2015, Ford believes the informal link between the clubs can help both to prosper.

Ford added: “It is an unwritten relationship built on the fact we have a lot of time for the management at Somerset. Debbie Hancock (promoter) and her dad, Bill, run a good show and have the best racing track in Britain in my opinion.

“You always hear from riders who want to go back there which tends to mean something. You can tell a lot about the stature of a club when people actively want to return.

“In Garry May, who is based in Poole and on occasion steps in for us when Neil Middleditch is unavailable, they have a good manager who I really admire for his tenacity and will to win.

“Without us actually stating it, I think we both know how each other’s clubs work and are quite happy to link up in striving for common goals.

“Occasionally, we may find somebody that they can accommodate and help to bring on which helps both parties. It works very well.”