Bamaga big man sees bright future
TAIPAN Nate Jawai wears a number of different hats.
Yesterday afternoon at the NAIDOC Week Family Fun Sports Day in Mooroobool, he wore the cousin, uncle and dad hats.
In a few months, he will replace those with hats that represent being a franchise player and one of the best centres in the NBL.
After two straight seasons wrecked by injury, the smiling big man from Bamaga is optimistic his body is in great condition ahead of an ultraimportant season, personally and for his club.
“There is a lot of pressure on me to perform as well. I understand what is in front of me,” Jawai said.
“I am positive about my body. “I am feeling great.” Flanked by former AFL midfielder Aaron Davey and PCYC senior indigenous community sports and recreation co-ordinator Marc Harbrow, the 31-year-old helped deliver sports clinics to local schoolchildren.
“Hopefully we can give these kids the inspiration that they can do it, like me and Aaron Davey,” Jawai said.
“I was from a similar situation in Bamaga when I was young like these kids are now. If I could do it, all these kids can do it too.
“Coming here is fun, I am happy I was able to make it here because it brings me back to being in Bamaga.”
The former NBA big man is one of the few remaining links to the Aaron Fearne era at the Snakes and is keen to see how the new squad comes together.
The characteristic Jawai likes about newcomers Mitch Young and Roe Loe the most is that they never backed down playing against him, giving him confidence they are up to the challenge of forming a formidable front court partnership together.
Jawai described the recruitment of import DJ Newbill as “excellent” but is most excited to be reunited with former teammate Jarrod Kenny.
“He was my guy in Perth,” Jawai said.
“I know he is a guy that will never back down.”
Meanwhile, third-placed USC Rip City travel to the Far North tonight to face the Marlins in Round 12 of the QBL.
Rip City are 10-3 approaching finals and are led by former Brisbane and New Zealand point guard Isaih Tueta.
THERE IS A LOT OF PRESSURE ON ME TO PERFORM AS WELL. I UNDERSTAND WHAT IS IN FRONT OF ME. I AM POSITIVE ABOUT MY BODY