King\u2019s Lynn have laid down a major marker ahead of the 2026 Premiership season with a trio of significant announcements, confirming the return of Ben Cook, the senior debut of teenage sensation Cooper Rushen, and a blockbuster move for Australian Grand Prix star Max Fricke.<\/p>\n
The PSH Environmental Stars\u2019 rebuilding gathered pace with the news that Cook will return for a second season at the Adrian Flux Arena. The 28-year-old Australian endured a frustrating 2025 campaign after suffering a complex scaphoid injury in just his fourth league appearance, an issue which effectively sidelined him until the closing stages of the season.<\/p>\n
Despite further setbacks during an attempted comeback, Cook showed his commitment by returning for the Stars\u2019 final six matches once close to full fitness, scoring 53 points as Lynn finished the campaign strongly. His determination and transparency throughout the season clearly impressed the club.<\/p>\n
Stars manager Rob Lyon admitted injuries prevented supporters from seeing the best of Cook last year.<\/p>\n
\u201cI felt we didn\u2019t see the best of Ben last season because of the injury, and the timing of when it happened was really unfortunate,\u201d Lyon said on the King\u2019s Lynn website.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cBut 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.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cAlthough he was a late starter to speedway, I do feel he\u2019s got a lot more in the tank. On that average, I think there\u2019s a lot more to come from him.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Cook, a former multiple Championship title winner with Poole and a Premiership champion with Belle Vue in 2024, said he was delighted to be returning.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m delighted to be back at King\u2019s Lynn. It\u2019s 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,\u201d<\/em> Cook told the King\u2019s Lynn website.<\/p>\n \u201cMy 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.\u201d<\/p>\n Alongside Cook\u2019s return, Lynn have confirmed one of the most exciting domestic prospects in British speedway will step up to the top flight in 2026. Cooper Rushen, just 15, will join the Premiership ranks after playing a key role in the Young Stars\u2019 National Development Trophy success in 2025.<\/p>\n Rushen turns 16 on March 29, making him eligible for senior racing, and will begin the season at reserve for the Stars. Lyon believes the teenager is more than ready for the challenge.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is a big move, but having spoken at length with Cooper and his dad, it\u2019s a move that they are comfortable with, and so are we,\u201d Lyon said on the King\u2019s Lynn website.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cCooper is one of the brightest prospects this country has produced in the last few years.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cI feel he has the right temperament and personality, and to be honest it\u2019s quite exciting to see how far he can go.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n