George rewarded for red hot start

CAYLA George has marked her return to the Townsville Fire by being named the WNBL’S Player of the week for round 1.

Having helped guide the Fire to back- to- back championships, George ( above) spent last season playing in Europe, but was lured back to North Queensland after 12 months away.

The dual championship winner made a stunning firstup statement against the Melbourne Boomers at the weekend, collecting a gamehigh 17 points and 22 rebounds, along with three steals, two blocks and one assist.

It was George’s defensive efforts on Opals teammate Liz Cambage, however, that was most impressive, given skipper Suzy Batkovic was plagued by foul troubles for most of the match.

“I was pretty pumped to get the win,” George said.

“Obviously it was great to be able to contribute in the way that I did, but the most important part was starting the season in the right manner.

“I’ve said it a few times now – it’s like I never left – so it was pretty easy settling back into things with the Fire.”

Widely regarded as one of the competition’s premier power forwards, George burned from the outset as she drilled consecutive three- point bombs in the opening term to provide the Fire with an early cushion. With Batkovic forced out of the game through foul trouble, she continued to control the paint as the Fire launched a second half raid.

The 2014- 15 and 2015- 16 WNBL champions will return to their home floor on Friday night when they host the UC Capitals.