Christian James is tipping backcourt buddy Trey Pulliam to provide the playoff spark required to propel Newcastle Eagles all the way to another London final.

Neither player started the season with the men in black but their combined output in recent weeks has caused quite a stir across Super League Basketball (SLB).

And ahead of tonight’s quarter-final first leg clash against Manchester, James revealed his pride in developing an increasingly destructive partnership with Pulliam.

“I’ve been trying to get a feel for him and he’s been trying to get a feel for me,” explained Newcastle’s potent all-rounder.

“We’ve been working hard to recognise what we both like to do and I think that’s paying off.

“We’re playing really well together right now and it’s a fun position to be in.

“Trey’s a great point guard who’s growing as a player and as a person and he’s ready for SLB playoff basketball.”

James and Pulliam picked up the slack in the absence of side-lined Seneca Knight to help guide the Eagles to fifth place in the SLB Championship.

And the former feels Newcastle boast the big game mentality required to steer a course to the O2 Arena and a May 18 final.

“When the games matter most that’s when we show up most,” added James.

“We’ve seen it all season at home and abroad.

“This week’s been all about getting back to the drawing board, practicing harder and making sure we move into the postseason with confidence.”

Given his form since the turn of the year James is in an understandably jubilant mood ahead of tonight’s Manchester test.

But that optimism could be tempered if a pre-match roll call results in a worst case scenario for Marc Steutel’s injury-hit roster.

Newcastle’s coach will make last-minute calls on Knight, Josh Ward-Hibbert, Cole Long and De’Sean Allen-Eikens.

And there is a real possibility that all four could be forced to sit out what’s suddenly become the biggest game of the Eagles season.

“Of those four I’m hoping Cole will be available for selection but I can’t offer any update on the rest,” he added.

“But I have confidence in whoever pulls on that Newcastle jersey after the spell we’ve been through lately.

“This week has been all about trying to get everyone rested and ensure everyone is as healthy as possible.

“I’m so proud of the battle and the fight that I’ve seen from my guys in the last few weeks and I know that won’t change against Manchester.

“No matter where postseason takes us, nobody can deny that the players have shown a real desire to fight for their team-mates and their club all season.

“We’ve been through a lot with injuries in the last few weeks but that hasn’t changed how we feel about this weekend.

“We were determined to finish fifth in the end and we’re excited about the quarter-final series.”

Newcastle beat Manchester 89-80 at the Vertu Motors Arena two weeks ago.

But Herman Mandole’s men blew the Eagles away the previous week — bagging a 31-point win just 48 hours after the Tynesiders’ heart-breaking loss in the 2025 ENBL final.

“Manchester are a formidable team but we’ve shown how we can be successful against them in recent weeks,” added Steutel.

“And of course they’ve shown how they can be successful against us.

“That’s why this has the makings of a memorable quarter-final and we intend to play a full part in that over the next four days.”

Tickets for tonight’s mouth-watering tie are available via boxoffice.newcastle-eagles.com