Rise Up| We need you Fire fans

JCU Townsville Fire coach Claudia Brassard will turn to the club’s sixth man in order to keep the Fire’s hopes of a three-peat alive. Having played in front of a parochial Sydney crowd at the weekend, Brassard is hoping the WNBL’s most hostile arena, Townsville Stadium, is in full voice on Friday night as the Fire attempt to level the series. Three days out from the must-win encounter, more than 500 tickets remain available for purchase and Brassard hopes the Fire faithful will be in full cry. “They’re a good team – I think they’ve lost only one game since Christmas,” Brassard said. “We need to make things as difficult as possible for them.” Championship-winning forward Darcee Garbin echoed her coach’s sentiments, saying there is no better place to write the wrongs of last week than at home. Looking for a better defensive effort, Garbin said the Fire thrive on the backing of their loyal fan base and is hoping they turn out in their droves this week. “There’s no doubt our home crowd is the best in the league,” Garbin said. “And there’s no doubt they will definitely help us.” The Fire host the Flames at Townsville Stadium from 7pm on Friday night with country star Jade Holland among the game day entertainment. Click here to pre-purchase your tickets to Friday’s WNBL semi-final.