SCOTT Nicholls tonight is set to challenge Pirates just weeks after he starred in two guest appearances for Poole.

Former Grand Prix ace Nicholls, who impressed in Pirates colours during Supporters’ Cup clashes against Ipswich earlier this month, is due to feature for Peterborough when they host the Dorset outfit in SGB Premiership (7.30pm).

The British talent fired in efforts of 11 and paid 10 points as a guest for Brady Kurtz in Poole’s 46-44 win and 52-38 reverse against the Witches. But Nicholls will be back in Panthers colours when Pirates arrive at the East of England Arena, having been drafted in alongside Josh Bates in place of Lasse Bjerre and Ben Barker.

The 41-year-old started the season with Wolves as injury cover for Jacob Thorssell but the Swede is now fit to return, leaving Nicholls free to pen a deal with the Panthers.

Bates missed the whole of 2018 after suffering a broken back but has been in fine form for Leicester in the Championship this season.

Danny King and Dimitri Berge are set to ride as guests for Poole in place of Nikolaj Busk Jakobsen and Nicolai Klindt.

The pair are both unable to ride for Pirates as they are competing in the rearranged Danish Championship semi-final meeting in Brovst.

Panthers: 1 Hans Andersen, 2 Josh Bates, 3 Scott Nicholls, 4 Charles Wright, 5 Rohan Tungate, 6 Aaron Summers, 7 Bradley Wilson-Dean.

Pirates: 1 Jack Holder, 2 Richie Worrall, 3 Danny King, 4 Josh Grajczonek, 5 Brady Kurtz, 6 Nico Covatti, 7 Dimitri Berge.