Stingrays get taller ahead of key game
CORIO Bay Stingrays coach Paul Hutchison will make his team aware of the importance of beating Blackburn tonight, ahead of a tough run in the Big V State Championship.
The 1-4 Stingrays will bolster their side with the addition of 206cm import Julius Brooks.
They come up against the Vikings, which shares the same record after receiving promotion from Division 1 on the back of a 16-3 season.
Hutchison said Brooks’ inclusion would add height to his line-up.
“It certainly makes us a different team, gives us a nice inside presence, which we haven’t been lacking — we’ve had Chris Eichler and Griffin Errey there — but it just gives us a bit more help,” he said.
“He’s got a good post game and he’s very athletic; between himself and Chris in particular, he’ll mix it up between that four and five spot.
“I’ve had Michael Rebula, Joel McFall and Steve Wiasak all playing out of position, all playing bigger than what they actually are.
“‘Rebs’, in particular, will be able to get back to his hard cutting, slashing best that we expect.
“I think Julius will draw a lot of double teams and a lot of help, which Rebs is very good at reading those situations. I expect Rebs’ numbers to go through the roof now.”
Hutchison said his side couldn’t afford to lose tonight’s away game to the Vikings.
“Blackburn have come up from Division 1, which a lot of us know quite a fair bit about, having played against them in Division 1 for the past few years,” he said.
“We played a practice match against them earlier on in the pre-season, so we’re very much looking forward to it.
“We start coming up against the Waverleys and teams that will be playing in finals, so if we can get on track this week, winning form is good form.
“It’ll be nice for the boys to get one and go into the following weeks with a bit of confidence.”
In the SEABL, both the Supercats men and women travel to Canberra tonight.