No Homecoming For Winitana
Tagged in: NZ Breakers, Tall Blacks
Boti Nagy, The Advertiser
Adelaide 36ers recruit Paora Winitana has been ruled out of Thursday’s Australian NBL road game against the NZ Breakers after he aggravated his foot injury at practice on Tuesday.
Winitana hurt his right ankle/foot at practice last week, missing both matches against Sydney while battling gamely to be declared fit in time for the match in his native New Zealand.
“He warmed up and came in for a couple of drills,” Adelaide coach Scott Ninnis said.
“But it’s one of those things, a bit like Mark Tyndale getting a poke in the eye at practice last week, then copping one in the same eye in the game.
“Paora comes back and Brad Hill accidentally treads on his foot.
“Then again, it is Brad Hill who will get the extra minutes with Paora out . . .
“But seriously, he was unlucky. As I said to Paora, he now gets a good break (until the 36ers’ next game against Melbourne on Saturday-week) which presents him a good opportunity for treatment and to be completely right.”
Tyndale (eye) and Brad Davidson (back) both came through the session unscathed and looked strong according to Ninnis.
“The other thing is Brad Hill and Ryan Kersten are training really well at the moment which gives you some confidence as you look at the group’s depth,” Ninnis said.
North Adelaide junior Kersten played with the Breakers last season.
