COCKS READY TO LEAD BENCH WARFARE

TWO years ago when Townsville Fire clinched back- to- back titles, Micaela Cocks was a starting centrepiece judged the best player in the grand final series.

But the New Zealand international says she is relishing her impact role off the bench and is willing to take a back seat if its helps the club clinch a third WNBL crown.

Cocks has been used to playing big minutes in her six previous seasons in Townsville, but American imports Sydney Wiese or Laurin Mincy have been preferred in the starting shooting guard spot.

The 31- year- old has taken her new role in her stride, prompting Fire captain Suzy Batkovic to rate her “the biggest blue collar, work ethic player I’ve come across,” before game one of the grand final series against Melbourne tomorrow night.

“It ( bench role) is different, but I’ve really enjoyed it and learned a lot,” Cocks said.

“We’ve got a really strong team and that’s what makes us so successful. We can expend so much energy because we’re able to rotate so much, and it helps us defensively.”

Cocks won the Rachael Sporn medal in 2015- 16 when the grand final was expanded into a three- game series and Batkovic said her sacrifices hadn’t gone unnoticed.

“It doesn’t matter how much court time you give her, she’s ultra positive,” Batkovic said.

“It’s really important to have that in this team. She has that selflessness about her.

“Because we run so deep, someone like Cocksy was a starter for us and playing huge minutes, now her role is completely different.

“You would think she would struggle with that but she has been tremendous. She just works hard and nothing’s an issue.”

A lethal three- point shooter and dogged defender, Cocks remains a vital cog in the Fire’s quest for a third title in four years.

“They’ll throw some different things at us because we’ve won against them and we’re able to match their height,” Cocks said.

“We’re a great defensive team and if we bring that focus and energy the way we can, there’s no doubt we can win.”