Newcastle Eagles go into ‘The Big One’ against Super League Basketball Championship leaders Oaklands looking to be the first side this season to stem the hungry Wolves run to glory.

Oaklands have won all 11 games played in the Championship and been the season’s outstanding team. They are also in the final of the SLB Cup and the only game they’ve lost so far this campaign was the SLB Trophy final against Caledonia Gladiators.

Player-coach Chloe Gaynor though remains upbeat and optimistic about her side’s chances advising that despite a heart-breaking Cup semi-final loss to Sheffield Hatters her side are in a good place.

“I think we’re feeling positive. We had a good performance against Sheffield last week despite the result not going in our favour”, said Gaynor.

“Everyone came out of that confident and understanding that we should be up there competing with the best teams in the league.

“That’s because we are on of the best teams in this league. Preparation has been a little lighter than what we normally have. We’ve had a few injuries of late so it’s about managing that load along with the mental preparation needed for such a big game.

One of those injuries has been Gaynor herself. It seems to have been forgotten that when she took over as Coach she was and still is a player on the roster. Injury has prevented her from playing a part on court whilst she learns the ropes off it.

“We’ve watched a few of their games as you can and do in this league”, the player-coach added.

“My assistant Luke Orwin and I were at the Trophy Final and got a first-hand look at them there and we’ve done an extensive look at them during this week.

“No one can dispute their record and they’ve done a very good job at getting where they are so far. The definitely provide a challenge and one that teams are competing with. I’ve seen them be pushed and I don’t think they are unable to be beaten.

“It’s a challenge our team will enjoy I’m sure. On our scout we always have the keys to the game. Top of the list for me this week was KYP (know your people) offensively and defensively.

“They are very free in what they do. There’s a lot of drive and kick in fact pretty similar to us in individual skill sets and understanding their tendencies and how and when they get to that and for us to know how we’re going to counter that.

“For us, the key to our success this season is really focusing on us and our strengths. What I said to the girls was to go home and encourage them to think about each of their own strengths, the strength of their teammates and our collective strength.

“We need to see where we can really exploit that as the keys to unlocking the rest of our season is unlocking that collective strength together and as individuals.”

Without doubt Gaynor’s side would benefit from her presence on the court as much as they are benefiting from her coaching style on the side-lines but for now she’s concentrating on getting her players ready for a big game.

There will also be another big home crowd at the Vertu Motors Arena who can also help raise the team’s levels of performance and intensity. Something Gaynor recognises and wanted to acknowledge.

“When I’ve played in ‘Big One’s’ previously or in finals you always feel you want to out-perform what you can do”, Gaynor admitted.

“You have all those people watching you and you want to do it for them, especially when it’s a big home crowd.

“We know how much Newcastle loves its sport and supporting their sporting teams. For me and the team it’s about representing the club and city with pride and showing how we should be playing.

“The crowd are super important. They are our sixth man and can make or break a game. In one like this when you’re playing against an unbeaten team they can make a difference.

“It’s going to be a tough game but I hope it’s a fun one and they can share in the experience in cheering us on, enjoy it and keep coming back for the rest of the season.”

Limited tickets are still remaining to purchase for this game which is expected to be another huge crowd for the annual special event and fans can book now from the box office or buy on the door.