Ellis rushed to Snakes side
AFTER living away from his family during the last NBL season, newest Taipan Cody Ellis was enjoying some time with those closest to him before he received an unexpected call from Mike Kelly.
The former Illawarra Hawks stretch-forward was rushed into the Taipans camp this week with veteran forward Lucas Walker undergoing “elective” surgery on his ankle, with an expected return time between 6-8 weeks.
Ellis was not offered a contract with the Hawks, after first joining them in 2015, and will jump in for the Far North club in their preseason clash with Melbourne United next week.
“I had been spending time with the family really, which I have not been able to do for a while,” the West Australian said.
“The last year in Illawarra, we were apart all season so it was good to spend some time with them. It was definitely disappointing (not to get a new NBL contract) but it is what it is. I just have to take my opportunities now and that is what I hope to do here.”
Kelly said the club looked at a number of options before settling on Walker’s surgery.
“Lucas was keen to get his ankle sorted and settled as soon as possible,” Kelly said.
“After the cortisone injection did not have the results we wanted, he thought this was the best course of action.”
Forward Mitch Young also missed practice yesterday after hurting his ankle against Brisbane last week.