Ho-ho-ho and off we go, says Taipan

JACOB GRAMS

“I think it’s needed at this time,” Worthington said. “At the same time it’s not like it’s a regular job. We can’t switch off completely and we’re stuck in the middle of a really tight season and there’s still work to be done.

“We’ve obviously got quite a lot of games coming up in a short period of time and to have this little mental breather if nothing else and just for the guys to refresh the bodies a little bit and like I said give it that last little push.

“I think once we get back on Boxing Day it switches up to Melbourne straight away but obviously for us I think we want to continue on what we’ve been doing as a basketball team and getting better, so this last week has definitely been more about us and how we can get better as a group.

“We’re a two or three game winning streak from being in the top four again.”

Worthington said his teammates shouldn’t take the extended break for granted as demand for constant on-court action increased in the holiday season in future.

“In the earlier years when you didn’t have to play around New Years and you could have an extended break it was quite nice but I think with the ever changing landscape of sport in this country people want to see more games closer if not on Christmas Day eventually.

“On Boxing Day, Brisbane and Melbourne are doing it ... so I think it’s just a part of being a professional athlete now, playing on these holidays.” Worthington said he had nothing particularly special planned tomorrow apart from a traditional big breakfast and a light run amid the Christmas atmosphere.

“It’s more about the morning and the presents and seeing the kids’ faces. It’s a great time of year,” he said.