Finals Time is Fire Time

Two-time JCU Townsville Fire championship winner Cayla George believes finals time is Fire time.

Having returned to the Fire after a season in Europe, George, who played a key role in the club’s back-to-back titles, is one of six players who have previously tasted championship success.

Collectively, the Fire’s line-up boasts 13 WNBL titles, with skipper Suzy Batkovic leading the way with four, while George, Micaela Cocks, Mia Murray and Kelly Wilson have all won two apiece.

Darcee Garbin played in the Fire’s 2015/16 championship after crossing from the West Coast Waves.

“A handful of us were a part of the last two (championships the Fire won) recently,” George said.

“I feel like we know what we are getting into – the vibe we have to have and the focus we have to have – so I feel like going into this week it is just another day in the office and just stay prepared and don’t do anything too crazy or too different.

“Just stay consistent and stay focused.”

During the 2017/18 season, the Fire swept the Boomers, however, the two teams have not played since round eight with star centre Liz Cambage missing on that occasion due to a one-game suspension.

Since then, the Boomers have eliminated Perth, the minor champions, in the semi-finals and will now contend for their second title after prevailing in 2010/11.

“You want to play in the Grand Final and you want to win championships,” George said.

“And up in the north here, it’s what we do.

“Hopefully – not hopefully – we will step it up and make it a great series.”

The Fire host the Boomers at Townsville Stadium on Saturday night from 6.30pm before the series moves to Melbourne on Thursday, January 18.

Should a third and final game be required, the series returns to Townsville Stadium on Sunday, January 21.

Tickets to the opening Grand Final went on sale exclusively to members on Monday, with all remaining tickets going on sale through The Ticket Shop at 9am on Wednesday morning.