NEIL Middleditch reckons Pirates spearhead Brady Kurtz is "very capable" of grabbing national glory Down Under.

The 21-year-old rising star will on Saturday launch his Australian Senior Solo Championship bid at Kurri Kurri in his home state of New South Wales.

Kurtz claimed a shock series triumph two years ago and is among the favourites to challenge for the title in the four-round series.

Poole team boss Middleditch told the Daily Echo: "I hope he goes well. It will be good warm-up for him ahead of the European season.

"He hasn't done a lot of riding since heading home – he has had a well-deserved break. But he's a rider who is improving every year and, hopefully, that can continue.

"I'm sure he will want to do well and he is very capable of winning the title."

After the opening round, the series moves on to Victoria venues Undera and Mildura before South Australia track Gillman hosts the finale.

Pirates asset Jack Holder also takes his place in the 16-man field.

Line-up: Mason Campton, Joel Coyne, Jye Etheridge, Max Fricke, Matthew Gilmore, Jack Holder, Declan Knowles, Brady Kurtz, Jaimon Lidsey, Sam Masters, Robert Medson, Josh Pickering, Cooper Riordan, Justin Sedgmen, Jordan Stewart, Rohan Tungate. Reserves: James Davies, Matthew Pickering, Ben Cook.