Pickering, who has been outstanding form with the Edinburgh Monarchs in the Great Britain Championship, has been signed by the Tigers as a replacement for fellow Australian side Justin Sedgmen.

"I'm stoked to get this opportunity and I'm going to grab it with both hands," Pickering told the Tigers website. "I can't thank Sheffield enough for the chance."

Pickering joined the Monarchs in 2017 and will to continue to ride with them in conjunction with his Tigers commitments.

"I feel at times I should have already been in this league but things happen for a reason and I'm glad to join the Tigers," he said.

"It's a cool track and I've had a few good meetings around there a couple of years ago but as the rider I am now once I get the feel of things around there I'm sure I'll settle in fine."

Pickering is confident the extra commitments with the Tigers will improve his riding.

"I'd like to think the extra bike time will do me good," he said.

"All I know is it doesn't matter what you do if you do it all the time it becomes second nature.

"I'm just going to attack it with the same mentality I've had all season and I should do my part for the team."

Sheffield Tigers co-promoter Damien Bates said: "We feel Josh deserves an opportunity with us and it's a surprise he's not had a Premiership place before."