Fire set for retro round

The JCU Townsville Fire will wind back the clock tomorrow night with the return of their retro round. Riding a four-game winning streak, the Fire will take to the floor against the University of Canberra Capitals from 7pm in a throwback strip that pays tribute to the 2002/03 season. Having successfully introduced the retro round last season, Fire General Manager Richard Goodbody said he was looking forward to repeating the concept tomorrow night. “It’s a bit of fun,” Goodbody said. “We’re not trying to take ourselves too seriously. We’ve seen the good, the bad and the ugly when it comes to some of our uniforms over the years, but the feedback to tomorrow night’s strip has been pretty popular. “Let’s hope it is a winning formula.” The Fire made a promising return on New Year’s Eve from the Christmas break with a 13-point win over Melbourne. With wins at a premium in 2017, the two-time reigning WNBL champions are acutely aware of needing to take care of business against the Capitals on their home floor. “Every game for us is crucial this year,” Fire forward Kayla Standish said. “We have to win. That’s what it comes down to. “Hopefully tomorrow night we keep that going.” It won’t be all smooth sailing for the Fire, however, with dual championship winner Jacqui Zelenka ruled out with plantar fasciitis for the next two to three games. The Fire host the Capitals at Townsville Stadium from 7pm on Friday night. Click here to pre-purchase tickets to the Fire and the Capitals.