Guard Brad Robbins will make a welcome return for the Wildcats agains the Tigers on Sunday. Picture: Matthew Poon Source: PerthNow
RETURNING guard Brad Robbins is set to boost a travel-weary Perth Wildcats outfit when the side clashes with Melbourne on Sunday.
After training strongly over the past fortnight, the Cats co-captain will suit up in his first game for 2012-13 against the Tigers following off-season wrist surgery.
Robbins will add depth and a fresh energy to a Perth side that has cruised in its opening two games of the NBL season, but is beginning to feel the travel pinch in the midst of a five-game road trip.
“Our players are starting to feel it, there’s no question,” Wildcats coach Rob Beveridge said.
“They’re getting colds and flus, and the time difference… the 12 hour travel back from Townsville - has started to take its toll.
“So it’s really important we manage our bodies the best we can.
“We do have the bye next week, so there’s light at the end of the tunnel, and then there’s another two (road games) after that. It’s very tough.”
Beveridge said the team had cut back the length of training sessions and installed a bigger focus on recovery to help manage the travel burden.
The return of Robbins - who has been the team’s spark plug off the bench in recent seasons - is certain to help.
“That’s massive for us,” Beveridge said of his point guard’s comeback.
“Two days ago, we said we’d give (him) until Friday morning, but he told me yesterday, ‘I’m 100 per cent playing,’ so that’s pretty exciting for the group.”
But the coach conceded Robbins’ playing time would be limited as he eases his way back after a lengthy layoff.
“He’s rusty. He doesn’t have a whole lot of great touch with the right hand of his,” Beveridge said.
“We’ll throw him in for a few minutes here, a few minutes there.
“He’s going to have a few mental issues there about how hard he goes for the ball with that wrist.”
Reigning league MVP Kevin Lisch will play against Melbourne despite missing two training sessions this week following a knock to his hip during last week’s win over Townsville.
Development player Ben Purser will be left out of the 10-man squad for the Tigers clash after appearing in Perth’s opening two games this season.
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