The Wollongong Roller Hawks will need to overcome a major setback after Michael Auprince injured his wrist just days before the NWBL Final Series.

 

“I’m devastated,” said Auprince. “I just had a fall right onto the wrist.”

 

The injury means Auprince, who sits 2nd in the league for rebounds and 8th in points per game will not suit up for the NWBL Finals that begin on Friday 24th June and adds further intrigue to an already wide open series.

 

 

Despite finishing minor premiers, Kilsyth Cobras captain Tristan Knowles is taking nothing for granted going into the weekend.

 

“From Kilsyth's point of view our sights are set on defending our championship,” said Knowles.

 

“It's pretty open between the top 4 teams. The top 3 teams have all beaten and lost to each other.”

 

Kilsyth meet Perth in the first semi final with the winner advancing directly to the grand final while the loser plays the winner of the 3rd vs 4th match between Wollongong and Red Dust.

 

“When you allow Perth and Wollongong to play their style you're in for a long game. We need to make sure we play our game, that we're in control.”

 

“When we play well we get a good spread of points across the team. We want to rebound and be able to get up the court quickly. That's where we'll be looking to get Shawn Russell and Daniel Del Toso inside to make that happen.”

 

“Our low pointers are the best on the country so they play an important role too. Perth are a dangerous side. Limiting Shaun Norris is obviously the key. But he was the 2014 World MVP, so he's not easy to stop.”

 

“You almost accept that he's going to have an impact and focus on the rest of the team. Their support players was where we lost to them two weeks ago.”

 

Wollongong’s game against Red Dust tips off at 8pm with the Roller Hawks set to draw confidence from the fact they beat Red Dust in all three encounters this season including Round 1 without Auprince.

 

“It will be a tough match up.” said Roller Hawks captain Brett Stibners.

 

“Brad Ness has been playing very good this season and he generally lifts for big games. He's the one we will have to stop if we want to win.”

 

“We won all 3 games this season so we can take confidence from that. But we will have to be at our best to win.”

 

“It's going to be a very interesting finals series, any team could win.”

FINAL SERIES

Friday June 24:

GAME 1: KILSYTH COBRAS (1) vs PERTH WHEELCATS (2) - 6pm @ Minto Indoor Sports Stadium

GAME 2: ROLLER HAWKS (3) vs RED DUST HEELERS (4) - 8pm @ Minto Indoor Sports Stadium

 

Saturday June 25:

GAME 3: Loser Game 1 vs Winner Game 2 - 6:00pm @ Minto Indoor Sports Stadium

 

Sunday June 26:

GAME 4: Loser Game 2 vs Loser Game 3 - 11am @ Minto Indoor Sports Stadium

 

GAME 5 (Grand Final): Winner Game 1  vs Winner  Game 3 - 1pm @ Minto Indoor Sports Stadium