TWO-TIME Paralympian Brett Stibners has welcomed the arrival of the Australian Gliders in the National Wheelchair Basketball League.
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The introduction of the Gliders - the national women’s side - has increased the NWBL to a seven-team competition.
Stibners is looking forward to witnessing the Gliders’ debut when he leads the Wollongong Roller Hawks into battle in this weekend’s season-opening ‘‘cluster round’’ at Dandenong.
The cluster round involves all seven teams playing a collective 18 games over three days at the same venue.
"It's good to have a strong competition, and with the inclusion of the Gliders, it will definitely be stronger,’’ Stibners said.
‘‘The other bonus is that we get to play more games, which is always good.’’
Wollongong have been one of the NWBL’s strongest clubs since entering the league in 2001.
The Roller Hawks captured their first championship in 2003 and won back to back titles in 2011 and ‘12.
After having to settle for a bronze medal last year, team captain Stibners said the players had no shortage of motivation in 2015.
‘‘Last season we finished a disappointing third,’’ the 35-year-old said.
‘‘We had high expectations but didn't play well in the finals, so we’re really looking forward to the start of this season. Once again it's going to be a strong competition but we have confidence in our players and our abilities.’’
Wollongong’s first home games are against Sydney Metro Blues at Shellharbour Stadium next Saturday and Sunday.
The Roller Hawks still have sponsorship opportunities available and can be contacted through club president Pablo Jimenez on 0403 297 249.