KING'S Lynn are delighted to announce the return of Australian star Ben Cook as their fifth signing for the 2026 Premiership season.

The 28-year-old joined the PSH Environmental Stars last winter as a title winner from his year at Belle Vue, having previously raced for the Lynn promotion when they were also in charge at Peterborough.

But he suffered a huge blow in only his fourth league meeting for the club when he sustained a complex scaphoid injury in a crash at the Adrian Flux Arena which effectively ruled him out until the final month of the regular campaign.

That included a short period where he raced in Poland but not in the UK, after he further aggravated the injury at a particularly rough Birmingham circuit in late-June when he attempted a comeback.

Cook was always transparent in his explanations, despite the continued refusal of some from outside the club to accept them, whilst the Stars were clear they would hold his team place for him unless an obvious alternative became available.

And the clearest demonstration of his commitment came when, back at near-fitness, he returned for the Stars' final six matches at a time when he had arguably more important meetings elsewhere in Europe, and scored a total of 53 points as Lynn went on a late winning run.

Manager Rob Lyon said: "I felt we didn't see the best of Ben last season because of the injury, and the timing of when it happened was really unfortunate.

"But I think the fact that he came back and rode so strongly, albeit at reserve, having been slated for missing half of the season for the reasons that were published in our media, was testament to his commitment.

"Although he was a late starter to speedway, I do feel he's got a lot more in the tank. On that average, I think there's a lot more to come from him."

Cook's arrival into UK racing had in fact been delayed by the Covid shutdown in 2020, and he ended up making his debut the following year.

In his four seasons at Championship level with Poole he won a total of eight major honours, following that up with the Premiership title at Belle Vue in 2024.

He said: "I'm delighted to be back at King's Lynn. It's a track I genuinely enjoy riding and one that seems to suit my style, so it was something I was very keen to make happen.

"We had a strong team last season and on paper everything looked positive, but sometimes speedway can be like that and for various reasons things just didn't quite come together as we would have hoped.

"My injury was a lot more complicated than initially thought, which made it a difficult period. I was pleased to be able to return later in the season and really enjoyed being back on the bike again towards the end of the year.

"The team is shaping up well for the season ahead and there's a good feeling around the club. I'd like to wish everyone connected with King's Lynn all the best for the new year and I'm looking forward to getting started."

The signing of Cook means the Stars have one space to fill in their top six, as well as confirming their Rising Star, and further announcements are expected soon.