Ex-Marlins meet again as new clubs do battle

JUST under a year ago they were teammates chasing a QBL title with the Cairns Marlins but tonight Cameron Tragardh and James Mitchell will lead their new clubs against one another.

The pair, who were both starting forwards for the cham- pionship-winning Marlins, left the Far North club for individual reasons and it is fitting they will meet tonight for a chance to play the club they left for the 2017 QBL championship.

Mackay have been the best team for the entire 2017 season while the Rockets pulled off a massive upset, beating the top- seed Brisbane Capitals in the first week of the finals.

Tragardh (left), the Meteors’ playing-coach, is pleased to see his former teammate doing well at his new club but hopes he will be a bit quieter tonight in the semi-final.

“I have been really happy for Jimmy’s success this sea- son,” Tragardh said. “Any time you leave a club you have been with for a long time, it is a huge challenge but he has done a great job with the increased responsibility in Rockhampton. He has gone from being a spare part in Cairns to a superstar in Rocky and has thrived in the role.

“I will be dirty on him though if he comes into Mackay and gives us a touch up.”

Mitchell was a standout for the Rockets, with 18 points, nine rebounds and four assists in their quarter-final. Mackay are expected to regain Perth Wildcat Lucas Walker for the cutthroat final.