The biggest test of Head Coach Chloe Gaynor’s fledgling career so far. That’s what the high-flying B. Braun Sheffield Hatters bring to the Vertu Motors Arena tonight. An excellent 5 wins 1 loss record and that loss only to the unbeaten Oakland Wolves.

It’s going to be a huge challenge for Gaynor’s Newcastle Eagles but they can hardly approach it feeling any less confident after four wins from four under the sideline promptings of the new coach which has been an impressive run.

Previewing the game and talking about the mood in the camp, Gaynor said: “We’ve got a really good group of girls that have committed to what I’m asking them to do.

“There has been a lot of change that I’m trying to introduce slowly but surely. They’re going well with the flow of that whilst maintaining the standards we’ve had all season.

“I always say coach-led teams are good but player-led teams are great. Even though I’m still a player I’m aware of my role and making sure the team outside of me have a voice and feel that voice is powerful and useful.

“Sometimes as a coach you don’t see everything and there’s more to be seen on the floor. That’s why in practice I often coach from the baseline as that’s where I see the game from as a player.

“I need to make sure that the culture is at the forefront of everything we do and the togetherness that’s when you see winning teams as they want it for each other and not just themselves.”

The last Championship win away in Cardiff before Christmas actually gave Newcastle a SLB Cup semi-final ironically away at Sheffield. Saturday’s game is almost a dress rehearsal for that occasion. It’s also the first time the two sides have met this season.

“They’ve had a really good start to the season. They play a brand of basketball that people know”, the player-coach added.

“They come out aggressive and physical trying to dominate from the get go and that’s something they’ve done well with real success.

“They’ve got a team of very talented people this year and a very deep roster. It’s definitely a challenge. They’re a top team so it’s not going to be an easy game. Plus the first game after Christmas is always tough.

“The girls have come back hungry and are excited to be back together again because of that culture and togetherness they have. They’re ready to put their best foot forward knowing Saturday is a dress rehearsal for a semi-final.”

When it comes to the keys to the game and how her team can be successful against such a strong side their strategy is very focused and clear.

“It sounds very simple but being our best self. Whilst Sheffield have their strengths we have ours”, said Gaynor.

“We’re not a traditional team in the sense of having a dominant inside presence. We have a lot of versatility on the perimeter.

“Playing that and playing to our strengths. Seeing our strengths as strengths and then finding our strengths inside what others might see as weaknesses which we don’t. A lot of people make comments about our size but to every negative there’s a positive.

“It’s about us continuing that positive mindset, continuing to believe in our strengths and believing in that person standing next to us that will help us to be the best version of ourselves as we move forward.”

Tip-off at the Vertu Motors Arena is at 7:30pm for what is sure to be an excellent game between two highly motivated, talented and committed teams.

Tickets are available on the box office in advance and on the door.