Kate Jumps Into The Fire
Tagged in: In The News, Tall Ferns
Geoff Longley, The Press
Christchurch Sirens basketball captain Kate McMeeken-Ruscoe has had a happy ending to her trials and tribulations with the Australian Women’s National Basketball League.
McMeeken-Ruscoe, 28, has linked with the Townsville Fire this weekend after it initially appeared that her bid to join the Australian club would be blocked by Basketball Australia.
Basketball Australia ruled that Sirens players could appear only as paid imports after their Christchurch-based franchise collapsed last month.
McMeeken-Ruscoe said yesterday that employment laws between Australia and New Zealand meant that players were allowed to work in Australia without prejudice and that Townsville had sorted the issue out.
“I’m not being paid as an import but at least I am allowed to play,” said McMeeken-Ruscoe who had faced the prospect of a season on the sideline after just returning from the Beijing Olympics.
The 1.72m guard had previously planned to link with Townsville where Tall Ferns captain and former Sirens forward Aneka Kerr returned to this season and where she lives.
McMeeken-Ruscoe joined her new team yesterday in Canberra ahead of a pre-season tournament in the Australian capital before the league proper begins early next month.
“I know a few of the girls like Aneka and Rohanee Cox (Australian Opal) and am looking to getting out there with them.”
The Christchurch-born, Nelson raised McMeeken-Ruscoe, who previously played for Bulleen in the league, said she had some experience in the warm climes of Townsville having spent a couple of years living and playing in Cairns, northern Queensland.
The only other former Siren to be playing in the league this season is Natalie Purcell who is lining up for new club Logan Thunder from Brisbane.
Tall Ferns forward Lisa Wallbutton, who was exploring options about playing in Australia, has secured a contract to play in Belgium. It is understood she has Dutch grandparents which helps open doors in Europe.
