Soldiers Set To Return For Breakers Clash

In good news for South East Melbourne Phoenix, Zhou Qi will play on Saturday night against the New Zealand Breakers at John Cain Arena.

Zhou Qi arrived in Melbourne only yesterday and joined in practice today following a medical examination. Zhou was initially due to arrive later in the week but chose to fly into the country early to regain some chemistry with teammates.

 In further positive news for the club, Zhou will be joined by Ryan Broekhoff and Trey Kell as both return from injury.

(Kell will play his first game for Phoenix in the NBL23.)

Ryan Broekhoff re-injured his hamstring in the first pre-season clash against the JackJumpers and has slowly been building back up to fitness; while Trey Kell also received his rib injury in the pre-season series against last year’s Grand Finalists.

Head coach Simon Mitchell said the return of Broekhoff and Kell and the addition of Zhou was great news.

"Zhou is a little short of a gallop after taking a break from a rigorous international schedule. However, his IQ and familiarity with our systems kicked in quickly and he looked at home, Mitchell said. "Trey still needs to get some miles in the legs but he is such a talented guy on both sides of the ball. Constantly disruptive on defence and a natural flow to his offensive game. 

(Broekhoff will be a positive addition to the team.)

"It's so exciting to see these two join Rowdy to our training squad. Being short on numbers (stomach bug in the group), they got plenty of reps in and I look forward to all three impacting against the Breakers.," said Mitchell.

Malcolm Bernard has been deactivated; Gary Browne remains on the injured list, he is replaced in the lineup by Owen Foxwell.

CLICK HERE for tickets to Saturday's game against the NZ Breakers

Phoenix Media (11/10/22)