Reading Rockets look for back-to-back victories at Team Newcastle

Rockets put an end to their three-game losing streak last weekend when they comfortably defeated Bradford Dragons 100-60 to get back to winning ways.

Saturday’s match-up will be the first between the two teams this season with last year’s series split, Rockets winning their opening game of 2017-18 72 -68 before Team Newcastle gained revenge 67-63 in Reading.

Despite both teams being at different ends of the table, the Rivermead outfit will endure their longest trip of the campaign having only won one of their last four, while Saturday’s hosts are struggling for form having only triumphed once in their last nine outings.

Rockets head coach Alan Keane was pleased with his team’s defensive display last weekend and expects further progression this week ahead of the trip to Newcastle.

The Irishman said,

“Having not played Newcastle yet this year it is somewhat unknown territory and they have definitely had an interesting season so far.

"They have shown they can beat the best teams in the league one week and come out on the wrong end against weaker teams.

"It is really unpredictable what we will face, however we will control the controllables and that is our defence and commitment to playing our style of game."

Rockets go into Saturday’s game with better injury news.

Point guard Adrian O’Sullivan got some valuable minutes under his belt in last Sunday’s win against Bradford and looks set to feature again, while captain Danny Carter showed no adverse reactions to his back injection and is hopeful to now be able to manage his injury through to the end of the season.

With Under 18 Sam Grant approximately a week to a week-and-a-half away from returning to training, Keane will have a near fully-fit roster to chose from for the first time in eight weeks as his side look to put their current woes behind them and push on to secure a play-off spot and possibly a top-four finish.