It looked for a long time that Robert would miss the start of the Premier League season. After a successful first season with Edinburgh, despite suffering a terrible early season injury which kept him out of the sport for nearly four months, he found himself frozen out of the Armadale sides’ 2006 team building plans.

The revelation that Adam Roynon would miss the start of the season meant that the Tigers promotion had to act quickly to secure an adequate replacement. Robert was by far the best rider available that fitted with the team building requirements, which was a ‘B’ or ‘C’ grade reserve. He starts the season as the man in possession of the race jacket and it will be up to Adam Roynon, when he is fit, and others to prove that they are a better bet.

Robert started off last season in good form. His average was over five points until he sustained his broken leg in April. He came back to the Monarchs side in late July and with the benefit of hindsight he maybe made his comeback too soon. His scoring on his return was nowhere near the level it was prior to his injury but after a winter in the Australian sunshine he will be fit and raring to go for the Tigers.

His best scores in 2005 both came against Sheffield in the Premier Trophy. A 9 points from 4 rides at Armadale was followed by a very creditable 6+2 points from 5 rides around the fast Owlerton circuit.

The racing highlight of Robert’s career to date was probably finishing runner up in the Australian Under 21 championship two years ago.