Wanneroo Wolves

14/Jun/2011

By Mark Donaldson, Joondalup Times

THE Wanneroo Wolves have made one of their biggest signings in State Basketball League history after securing the services of Wildcats co-captain Brad Robbins.

His signing for the remainder of the season is a significant boost to the Wolfpack, which are looming as genuine championship contenders.

The guard played his first game on Saturday in a 91-64 win over Rockingham Flames.

“It’s a great club and I like what they’re about,” he said.

“They’re trying to make it as professional as they can in a semi-professional league and I think that’s fantastic.”

Wolves coach Ben Ettridge said Robbins’ presence was an “amazing opportunity to bring one of WA sport’s best leaders” to the club.

“We look forward to having Brad around our younger guys; we hope they can learn from him on and off the court,” he said.

Wanneroo SBL director Matt Rushmere said the former Australia under-22 team member had already attracted bigger crowds.

“People were saying ‘we can’t wait to see Brad’ to the door person on Saturday night – he’s made a difference already.”

Supporters can thank star player Greg Hire for the signing, with Robbins saying he had convinced him to join.

“Greggy played with me in the Wildcats this year and he kept bugging me over my holidays to play and finally I thought ‘that’d be great’.”

It is the first time the 26-year-old has played in the SBL since his move to Perth in 2006 when he represented Willetton, before joining the Wildcats in 2008.

“I’ve always had surgery in the off-season so this is the first season where I’ve been able to get some miles in the legs and put up a few shots,” he said.

He spent a year with the NBL’s Cairns Taipans in 2005 after impressive performances in the eastern states-based Australian Basketball Association.

He said he was happy with the standard of SBL level after playing his first game for 2011.

“It’s a different type of game, but there’s some pretty good players in this league and it’s getting stronger.”

He scored six points against the Flames and admitted he was a bit rusty.

“I’ve been on holidays, so it’s going to take a while to get my legs under me,” he said.