IMPORT EAGER FOR FIRST FIRE ROAD TRIP

Amanda Zahui B will don the Fire jersey for the first time, when the team hit the court in the nation’s Capital on Sunday. Townsville’s tussle with Canberra begins a 3game road stretch in the space of a week, which will provide a tough initiation into the WNBL for the import. She’s been doing her homework on the league, since accepting an offer to play in it.

“I was just really excited to come out here and try something new. I’ve heard a lot of great things about the WNBL and I know multiple players that play in it. I’ve watched a lot of highlights ever since we decided on me coming out here to play. I’ve heard its very physical for post players and like mobile as well, all the post players can move and shoot.”

The centre will use a wealth of experience gained playing in the WNBA and across Europe embracing her latest challenge, which has somewhat come out of the blue. She was playing in the Israel Premier League in October.

“I was very close to where the initial attacks happened, 21 kilometres away so I was literally under the missiles and the bombs. I kind of just wanted and needed some time to decompress what happened, obviously that league is not continuing with everything that’s going on.”

The Swede only officially arrived at the club this week.

“Honestly the girls have done a fantastic job of helping me get adjusted and I’ve had so much fun already.”

Townsville coach Sahnnon Seebohm doesn’t see a need to rush the recruit into major minutes, while she’s still finding her feet.

“Obviously she’s an elite player, she’s played in the best leagues in the world pretty much her whole career so we’re really excited to have her here but we’ll gradually introduce her. I think the girls that have been playing for the first 6 games have done a great job and we’re going to continue to stick with that line up. As Amanda gets more comfortable, we’ll start to incorporate her more and more.”

The reigning champions spent a few days off their feet following their win over Adelaide at the end of last month.

“It’s been great to have a chance to obviously reset and get the girls freshened up after3 games in a week leading into that break.”

The Fire will travel to Melbourne from Canberra, for a midweek battle with Southside, before flying to Sydney for a Saturday showdown with the Flames. You can watch the action on the 9NOW App and keep up to date with the scores via the club’s social media pages.