Whittle goes to work

JCU Townsville Fire coach Claudia Brassard concedes she likes what she sees after spending time with new recruit Marena Whittle today. Having flown to Melbourne to work out Whittle and Kelly Wilson ahead of this week’s SEABL fixtures, the second-year coach, who will assist the Australian team at the up-coming Under-17 Oceania Championships in Guam, spent some invaluable one-on-one time with the former North Dakota star. During the current SEABL season, Whittle is averaging a team-high 16.9 points, 8.7 rebounds and 2.0 assists for Nunawading at the halfway point of the competition. “I was extremely impressed with her work ethic,” Brassard said. “She pushed herself all session and she was really up-beat about joining the Fire and the WNBL, which was infectious. “I think she can play a really good role for the Fire if she continues to put in the hard work.” Brassard will watch Wilson in action for Bendigo tonight after the two-time WNBL championship winner made her SEABL return last start with an impressive performance. Shrugging off the injuries that plagued her return to the Fire, Wilson finished with 17 points, nine assists, six rebounds and three steals during a polished display for the Lady Braves. The Fire head coach will then watch Whittle in action tomorrow night for the Spectres. “It was pleasing to see Kelly’s return last round and I’m sure she will only get better,” Brassard said. “With the season sneaking up, the back end of the SEABL season will be a good platform for her to find some match fitness and to get some shots up. “We’re looking forward to Kelly’s return this season and I’m sure she’ll be another great contributor.” The Fire have now signed nine players for the 2017/18 WNBL season, with memberships going on sale earlier this month. Click here to become a member of the JCU Townsville Fire. 2017/18 JCU Townsville Fire squad: Zitina Aokuso, Suzy Batkovic, Micaela Cocks, Darcee Garbin, Cayla George, Mia Murray, Marena Whittle, Sydney Wiese and Kelly Wilson.