Smith to quit Tyneside - but could return
JORJAH Smith has hinted she could return to Tyneside sooner rather than later despite calling time on her fledgling Newcastle Eagles career.
The popular guard will miss the remainder of the WBBL season after taking the difficult decision to fly home to Australia to be with her family.
Smith, who has been withdrawn from tomorrow’s squad to face Durham Palatinates, insisted she is bidding her Eagles family a fond farewell rather than a firm goodbye.
She said: “The decision to fly back to Australia earlier than anticipated has not been an easy one for me.
“However, after talking it through with coach Chris Bunten — and with the blessing of my teammates — I feel as though it is the right decision.
“I am just hoping this is not a goodbye but a ‘see you soon’ kind of moment.”
Smith’s dynamic contribution off the bench has been pivotal to Newcastle’s encouraging run of form during the last six weeks.
Only last month the former Manchester player talked about getting to know Tyneside better as lockdown restrictions are eased.
She added: “The uncertain times we are living in have made the past year tough in many different ways for everyone.
“I am incredibly grateful that I was able to step on court during this time and become an Eagle.
“The club and the community have been so welcoming and made me feel like Newcastle and The Nest is a place I can call home.”
Smith’s departure leaves the Eagles short-handed heading into this weekend’s derby and a tilt at the play-offs.
She was a key pick-up for Bunten last summer and it would be no surprise if Newcastle’s playcaller went back for the versatile guard ahead of the 2021/22 season.
Smith said: “The person I would like to thank the most is Chris.
“He is not only a good coach but a great person and an asset to Newcastle Eagles and women’s basketball in the North East.
“He gave me an opportunity to play for such an amazing club and looked after me on and off court.
“One reason I love the game of basketball is I can go to the other side of the world and meet some amazing people and that is a big reason behind why I have enjoyed my time in Newcastle.”