The Just Better Care Wollongong Roller Hawks continue their off-season recruitment drive, signing Aussie Rollers squad member Tomas Klein. 

 

At just 24, Klein is already playing professionally in Europe and is currently plying his trade in Italy, but is looking forward to linking with the Roller Hawks having enjoyed stints with Darwin and Red Dust in the past.

“I initially started speaking with Tristan about coming to play for the Rollers Hawks, and since I have already played internationally with Luke and Jontee for a club in France and the club has such an experienced roster of players and coaches that I can learn a lot from, I was immediately interested and keen to come and play for the club,” said Klein.

Klein’s season with Luke Pople and Jontee Brown was in 2022/2023 with Meaux. He spent last European season with Lahn Dill in the German League which included winning the German Cup.

“I am living in Italy at the moment, playing for Amicacci Abbruzzo. And I’m here playing with Jaylen Brown and Eithen Leard so yeah three Aussies here this season too which has been great.”

“We’ve had a pretty unique season this year, we didn’t make it into the Italian playoffs which only the top 4 teams qualified for, we’ve finished 5th, but on the European stage we’ve advanced all the way to the Final Four of the Champions Cup which means we’ll be competing against other top teams to decide who is the best in Europe which will be very exciting!”

Klein will join Pople and Steve Elliott in the Roller Hawks mid-point rotation.

“My goal is to win the championship this season, and with the experienced roster that we have and the new players coming in, including myself, I definitely think that it is possible!”

Klein’s legs were amputated at the age of one, after he was born without tibia bones in his lower legs. In addition to wheelchair basketball, Klein has also tested himself playing wheelchair Aussie Rules and competing in triathlons.

In 2022 he was a member of the Aussie Spinners team that finished 5th at the U23 World Championships and is focused on continuing his career in the green and gold.

“My goals have always been the same since I started playing wheelchair basketball 4 years ago, which has been to represent Australia and go to the Paralympics! I’m very much still an up and coming player but I’m looking to join the Rollers as soon as possible.”

The NWBL season tips off on June 27.