Marc Steutel can’t wait to unleash secret weapon Cole Long on Super League Basketball (SLB) with the Canadian stepping up his return to fitness this week.

And with two tough away trips inside 48 hours coming up at the weekend, don’t bet against Newcastle Eagles’ summer signing playing some part for the men in black.

Long looked like an exciting prospect in pre-season before an ankle knock — picked up in practice — ruled him out of a competitive debut.

But Steutel revealed the dynamic forward is doing the hard yards in a bid to suit up for Newcastle’s Trophy campaign.

“Cole was desperate to play at the start of the season and it’s obviously a tough time for anyone to miss out,” said the Eagles’ playcaller.

“But he is, honestly, an über-professional and although the way that he’s attacked his rehab is impressive, it’s probably what I’d expect.

“Just from getting to know Cole in a short space of time I can see how much work he puts in and how he approaches his job.

“I think he’s probably going to be ahead of the projected timescale to get back because of the work that he’s put in.

“That’s really exciting because when we get him back he adds another element to our play.

“Cole already has a lot of respect from the other guys due to the way he came in during pre-season so everyone’s keen to see him back on the roster.”

Despite the disappointment of missing out on this season’s Trophy campaign to date, Long has been a vocal supporter from the bench.

Not afraid to voice his opinion to coach Steutel and willing to have a quiet word with team-mates, the 6ft 7in star is already a strong presence within an evolving group.

“Cole’s been in my ear during games about things happening on court and he’s a confident character,” added Steutel ahead of tips to Caledonia Gladiators (Friday) and Cheshire Phoenix (Sunday).

“He’s been keeping a close eye on performances and, like me, he feels as if this is a group whose sole focus is on winning.

“Now that will stand the test of time but I think we’ve both seen enough in our first three games to suggest that winning mentality is in-built within these guys.

“It’s early days but when you have someone like Cole on the bench echoing the scout and echoing the plays then it feels like the message is getting through.

“Some players would react differently to being sidelined and perhaps shy away from getting involved to that extent.

“But I’ve been impressed with Cole’s willingness to play a full part and ensure he’s right up to speed when he is able to step into a game.”

Newcastle take a 3-0 record to Caledonia on Friday before travelling to the North West where an unbeaten Phoenix lie in wait.

And the Eagles have been battering the boards in practice this week as they seek to claw back the rebounding advantage from an oversized Gladiators side at the PlaySport arena.

A thrilling win against Gareth Murray’s men last Friday was tempered by Newcastle’s struggles under the glass but Long’s return could be a key factor in turning things around north of the border.

“We won’t rush Cole back,” added Steutel. “But I’m pleased with his progress.”

Both this weekend’s SLB away games will be free to watch live on DAZN.