HAWKS swingman Tim Coenraad has no plans of replicating Kirk Penney as he steps back into a starting role in place of the Kiwi great.
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There were initial fears Penney may have suffered a season-ending hamstring injury against New Zealand two weeks ago before scans confirmed a burst blood vessel was behind the extensive bruising and swelling.
Penney missed Thursday’s loss to Perth and won’t play against Adelaide on Thursday.
Her still remains at long odds to make the trip to Adelaide for the return clash with the 36rs on Saturday.
It sees Coenraad return to the starting three role he’s occupied for the bulk of his five seasons in Wollongong and he’s not feeling pressure to fill the Penney void solo.
“I’m not going to replace Kirk,” Coenraad said.
“He’s a pretty special player and what he does is just world class.
“It has been a bit different. I’ve been in and out of the starting line-up.
“I was in there to start with and went to the bench to try and bring some electricity and some energy.
“I’m not going to try and be him I’m just going to be myself and be aggressive.
Coach Rob Beveridge has made a point of labeling Coenraad’s shift to the bench a “promotion” and the Hawks reigning MVP said he has always backed the decision.
“I was 100 per cent behind the decision,” he said.
“With me coming off the bench to replace Kirk we can both be aggressive at different times instead of taking it away from each other.
“It was a smart decision no doubt but now he’s injured I’ll fill that three role.”