JOSH Grajczonek has set his sights on a return to Pirates next year – and has vowed to “practise like a madman” in preparation for the new campaign.

The Queenslander last week skippered Poole to 70th anniversary title success in his first season as captain.

That ended a rollercoaster campaign for the 28-year-old, who admitted he had feared for his team place earlier in the season.

However, having blasted back into form, Grajczonek is hopeful of a return to the skull and crossbones in 2019.

Asked about his future, Grajczonek told the Daily Echo: “I don’t think anyone knows what is going to happen.

“You hear whispers here and there but you can’t say anything until they have actually had the AGM.

“I would like to stay at Poole. I want to kick on from where we finished.

“I’m going to go home and work really hard this winter. I think that let me down last year. I got home and had done a lot of meetings and needed a break.

“Sometimes, a break is good but maybe I had too long a break and started forgetting about set-ups and how to ride a bike properly.

“I’m already in the process of sending stuff home and I will practise like a madman.”