Josh Ward-Hibbert insists he’s ready to go into battle against any Super League Basketball rival alongside a group of like-minded players prepared to fight for the Newcastle jersey.

A new-look Eagles roster put their bodies on the line to secure an attritional 78-73 victory against fierce rivals Sheffield Sharks on Friday.

And after leading from the front, Ward-Hibbert wants more of the same heading into this afternoon’s SLB Trophy clash at Manchester.

“There was a lot to like about the opening night,” said the Great Britain international. “I liked the result, I liked how hard the guys played and I liked how together we were.

“The intent and the heart that we showed for 40 minutes can lay the foundation for what we want to achieve this season.

“It was a real battle against Sheffield but we fought hard and stood up to be counted.

“I’m ready to go up against anyone with this team.”
Twelve lead changes, eight ties and a tense final quarter told the story of a nervy opening night at the Vertu Motors Arena.

But all eight Newcastle players put points on the board going into game two of a double header Trophy weekend in Manchester.

Ward-Hibbert added five rebounds and two steals to his nine points against Sheffield — including two booming triples — as the experienced campaigner set about sinking the Sharks.

But he warned: “Every team is looking to play their best game against Newcastle and Manchester will be no different.

“They were beaten in Glasgow on Friday but at this stage of the season it’s impossible to know where a team stands.

“We’re full of confidence after our win and if we bring the same heart and intent to the Giants then we’ll give ourselves a great chance.

“But I also feel there’s so much we need to clean up about our game after Sheffield.

“There are so many areas offensively where we can do a better job and things that we need to do better at the defensive end.

“We just happened to come out with a win but I think everyone can see there’s work to be done.”
Newcastle need to start faster and smarter this afternoon (3pm tip) to avoid another tense finish in the North West.

Opening night nerves clearly affected Steutel’s side as Sheffield raced into an early lead.

And it wasn’t until midway through the final period that the hosts were able to exact a degree of control.

“We worked on a lot of stuff in pre-season that will stand us in good stead for the weeks ahead,” added Ward-Hibbert.

“But commitment and fight is in-built. You can’t teach that. Regardless of what happens in a game you need to give it your all for 40 minutes and I saw that fight in our players against the Sharks.”

Steutel confirmed that Canadian all-rounder Cole Long faces a ‘few weeks’ on the sidelines after tweaking his ankle in practice.

But Will Neighbour will be available for selection against Manchester despite sitting out the Sheffield clash.

“I was really pleased with our defensive intent and application to the scout against Sheffield,” said Steutel.

“It was scrappy and both coaches would have preferred a better flow but I was very proud of my players.

“We have a long way to go but this group is showing the right signs and we have a willing group of players who truly care about winning.”