Hull Vikings - A team without a home - kept alive by its fans

Hull Vikings team manager Dave Peet believes the only way is up for Joel Parsons.

The 19-year-old has agreed terms to become the 2004 triple champions' fifth signing for 2005.

The young Aussie enjoyed a stunning first full season at Premier League level last season, helping Vikings to the treble of league, Knockout Cup and play-off shield.

Sporting a 5.04 average, Parsons will ride at reserve along with Craig Branney.

Peet is delighted Parsons, signed on a big-money full transfer from rivals Rye House last May, is returning to Craven Park.

He said: "Since we bought Joel last May he's come on a lot from his initial three-point average to 5.04.

"He's done it the hard way, he's hungry and muscled his way through on his own.

"I've seen him round Craven Park a few times and he's the sort of rider you need in that position because we know he'll progress his average."

Peet feels by the end of the 2005 season, Parsons should be gunning for a second-string position and could even be challenging heat leaders round Craven Park.

"I think he should establish himself as a second string, and will be able to hold his position as that," said Peet.

"He's been around all the tracks last season and it'll be his third in this country.

"He knows what the crack is.

"I can see only one way for him in 2005 and that's up."

Peet believes Parsons and Branney will form one of the strongest reserve pairings in the Premier League in 2005.

That could be a major factor in Vikings' chances of successfully defending their 2004 treble.

The Vikings team manager added: "With the way teams are being built within the 45-point limit, there'll be a lot of three-point riders around.

"I think with Craig on 4.24 and Joel on 5.04 we'll have two of the strongest reserves around.

"With that in mind, if your reserves are scoring points their confidence goes up.

"Joel was already holding his own with second stringers last season and if his confidence does go up he could possibly be winning races at Craven Park against some heat leaders by the end of 2005."

Vikings now have only two slots available for the new campaign, with treble-winners Paul Thorp, Garry Stead, Emiliano Sanchez and Joel Parsons all returning, along with new face Craig Branney.

Vikings have 13.01 points left from their 45-point allocation, with one likely to be a fifth member of the 2004 title winners - either Emil Kramer or Ross Brady.

The seventh and final signing is expected to be Hull-born former Viking Lee Dicken.

Peet remains coy on the last two pieces of the team jigsaw, saying only: "We're still working on the last two riders, we've a few options within the points limit we have left."

Hull Daily Mail