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TONY ATKIN will skipper the Newport Wasps for the 2006 season, returning to the club for the fourth successive campaign.
Atkin, from Wrexham, is the only Welshman in the team, and has been a solid second string for Newport over the past three years, but with the 2006 season underway the pressure is on the 40-year-old to up his game and add a point on his average if the team is to do well in the final league table and hopefully the play-offs.
The evergreen Neil Collins takes the No 1 berth in the Wasps' lineup with young guns Carl Wilkinson and Chris Schramm supplying the middle-order strength. Aussie Joel Parsons is keen to make his move to Newport a success and his compatriot Craig Watson will spearhead the team.
Youngsters Sam Hurst and Billy Legg share the No 7 race-jacket as they progress into the Premier League for the first time.
 Atkin's experience makes him a great asset in the pits to motivate the other riders and last season he had the honour of being chosen to represent Wales when an American Dream Team visited Hayley Stadium in March.
Unfortunately mechanical problems ruled Atkin out of the one-off international, a speedway first for Wales, and a replacement rider covered his absence.
Tom Brown led Wales against the Americans. The Pontypool-born rider, who has only recently turned 18, scored 17 points plus two from six rides as Wales were edged out 48-47 in a real thriller.
Brown, currently with Weymouth Wildcats, has been linked with a number of British clubs and was terrific for Wales, who had never fielded an international team at Conference level before.
"This was a one-off and it was great to see it happen," said Newport Wasps promoter Tim Stone. "It is so difficult getting a full team of Welshmen on the track and we are delighted we achieved it once."
Cardiff-born Darren Hatton - who rides for Carmarthen Dragons - made his international speedway debut in the match. "It was great to ride for Wales, particularly as it seems there won't be another chance," said 24-year-old Hatton, who linked up with Newport-born brothers Matthew and David Tutton, Russell Barnett, Jamie Westacott and Brown to challenge the Americans.
For the 2006 season admission prices at Hayley Stadium have been set at £12 for adults, £9 for senior citizens and £4 for children.
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