Marc Steutel has revealed player rotation is all part of the plan as Newcastle Eagles prepare for another tough stretch of three games in five days.

A topsy turvy schedule has thrown up a free week for the men in black following a busy start to the season.

And while Steutel has made the most of invaluable time spent with an evolving roster he remains conscious of the need to navigate the next few days with care.

Manchester Basketball are in town for Friday night basketball before Newcastle travel to Glasgow on Sunday and host Donar Groningen on Tuesday.

And Steutel said: “It’s been good to be able to try and reinforce some areas that we needed to focus on this week without the pressure of game play.

“We’ve had the opportunity to build our system and the sense of continuity within the group, as well as improve our understanding of one another.

“I can’t deny it’s been good to have an extended period of uninterrupted practice but I’m always looking ahead.

“And while I want to get as much as possible out of periods like this, the schedule is at the forefront of my mind.

“Three games in five days is physically demanding for everyone so I’m constantly looking to strike the right balance.”

There’s no doubt a game-free week is just what the doctor ordered for new boy Jared Bynum as the point guard bids to bed in with the men in black.

The playmaker arrives on Tyneside with a big reputation following an impressive college career.

But Steutel warned against putting too much pressure on the US star’s shoulders just a week after he touched down in the North East.

“It’s the right time for someone like Jared to be able to come in and get brought up to speed as best he can with where we are and what we’re doing,” added the Eagles’ boss.

“He’s been able to gauge our identity and our system and we’re hopeful he’ll be able to hit the ground running.

“But we also have to manage expectations and understand that he’s joining a group with 10 games under their belt together.

“Again it’s about finding the balance where Jared is concerned and we want to give him every opportunity to fit comfortably into the group.”

This final Trophy clash against struggling Manchester is a golden opportunity for Bynum to get significant minutes under his belt.

In what is effectively a dead rubber, Steutel can feed his new signing into various rotations and keep his roster fresh for Sunday’s Championship trip to Caledonia Gladiators.

But the Great Britain coach won’t compromise on the values and ethos that have underpinned a 5-2 start to the club’s Trophy campaign.

“Right now Friday is the focus and the performance is really important to me,” he added.

“It’s vital that we come through the game in the right way and we want to achieve the right outcome.

“It’s another step towards building our identity and our reputation as we move into what’s another significant stage of the season.”

It is understood centre Will Neighbour underwent a scan for an unspecified injury this week as the big man remains sidelined.

The Trophy showdown tips off at 7.30pm with remaining tickets available on the box office.