Full force Rollers confirmed for World challenge

Rollers vs World is live with the action streamed LIVE and free from 5 - 9 June

The action is live in Canberra for Rollers vs World at the AIS in the nation's Capital.

Australia’s men will battle wheelchair power programs Japan, Italy and Spain in an exhibition series from 5 – 9 June.

The action is LIVE and free, available on Basketball Australia’s YouTube, co-presented alongside Wheelchair Basketball Australia.

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Full force Rollers ready for AIS challenge

The Ford Rollers confirmed a 16-player roster for Rollers vs World series at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra.  

In a rare opportunity to compete against world-class competition on home soil, the Rollers will host Spain, Italy and Japan, with the tournament arriving at a pivotal time for a group that Head Coach Brad Ness believes is continuing to raise the bar, both individually and collectively.  

“What I’ve liked most about this group is their commitment to not just becoming world-class, but striving to become the world’s best,” Ness said.  

“They understand that reaching the podium isn’t about individuals. It’s about pushing each other every day and growing together as a collective group.”  

That mindset has helped build what Ness describes as the deepest Rollers squad the program has seen in a long time, with competition for places intensifying as the road to Ottawa enters its final stages.  

Ness confirmed the series would carry added significance for those vying for a place in the final World Championship team.  

“We’ve been very clear with the group that this year there is no traditional selection camp - it’s a selection year,” he said.  

“The coaches have been monitoring players all around the world over the past six to eight months and every athlete has had opportunities to press their case for selection.  

Beyond selection, the tournament will also play a valuable role in player development and the program’s long-term planning.  

“This tournament is hugely important for the group,” Ness said.  

“For many of the younger players and those on the fringe of the team, it provides an opportunity to gain international experience and continue pressing their case for selection.  

“It also gives the coaching staff the chance to trial different combinations and see what this group is capable of as we build towards LA28 and beyond.”  

Australian Rollers
Jordan Bartley  Eithen Leard 
Lachlin Dalton  Ben Moncrieff 
Kane Downie  Frank Pinder 
Steven Elliott  Tom O’Neill-Thorne
Phil Evans  Frank Pinder 
Jake Kavanagh  Luke Pople 
Tomas Klein  Jeremy Tyndall 
Tristan Knowles  Sam White 

 

Rollers vs World starts for Australia’s men against Japan on Friday, 5 June at 8:00am, AEST. Attendance is free and non-ticketed. 

Every game will be streamed LIVE via Basketball Australia YouTube, delivered in partnership with the Wheelchair Basketball Australia (WBA).  

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