Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Our Wheelchair Basketball Australia is gearing up to celebrate a
major milestone this week. It's first ever Kevin Coomb's Indigenous Round.
It's starting on the fourth of July across the men's
National League now. The round recognizes the contributions of Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander players and celebrates culture, connection and
(00:21):
community through.
Speaker 2 (00:22):
The power of sport.
Speaker 1 (00:24):
We are set to see three massive games for the
Darwin Salties, the first being played tomorrow night. Joining me
live on the line from training, I believe is Darwin
Salty's superstar. CJ McCarthy grogan. Good morning to your CJ.
Speaker 3 (00:41):
Good morning Catie, thanks for having me.
Speaker 2 (00:43):
Yeah, lovely to have you on the show.
Speaker 1 (00:45):
Now, how is training looking this morning? How's how the
boys going?
Speaker 3 (00:50):
Yeah, no, the team's looking really really good. We've got
a couple of the other interstate boys frough in yesterday,
so it's not to have all ten of us here.
We've just got one more coming in late tonight from them,
so yeah, we'll almost have everyone. But tomorrow we'll have
a shoot around and we'll have everyone here together.
Speaker 2 (01:05):
Oh good stuff.
Speaker 1 (01:06):
Now tell me about the round that he is named
in honor of Kevin Coombs. Sounds like a phenomenal person
and a great thing to be named in his honor.
Speaker 3 (01:19):
Yeah, one hundred percent. You know, the round definitely is
as well deserving after Uncle Kevin Tombs. And you know,
he was a pioneer that blaze the trail for all
of us as indigenous, not indigenous athletes, but just to
try and help break down the barriers in the real
world as well as off the court. And you know,
I was fortunate enough to know Uncle Kevin before he
(01:39):
passed a few years ago, and just yeah, just grateful
that his family had had given us the approval to
be able to put this round in his name and
he's honor. Yeah.
Speaker 2 (01:48):
Well, and ce js I understand it.
Speaker 1 (01:50):
Obviously you are Ad and Salty's player, but also the
chair of the WBA's Indigenous Working Group. And it sounds like,
you know, this round is more than just being about basketball.
Speaker 3 (02:04):
Yeah, that's correct, Otie. It's more than more than basketball,
and it's it's quite significant to be the first endigenous
round in the National League's history, you know, in this
sport in the country. And you know what, it's even
more special to be celebrating it because it's also coincided
with fiftieth anniversary of Nadok as well. So how awesome
is that?
Speaker 2 (02:22):
How good? And how good to have games happening here
in the Northern.
Speaker 3 (02:26):
Territory, oh, in the dry season as well. I'm looking
forward to it, and I'm sure the WOLLANDNG team are
looking forward to getting out of the cold from down
south as well.
Speaker 2 (02:34):
Yeah, well how are they looking?
Speaker 1 (02:36):
Are you expecting them to be tough opponents for your
games this weekend?
Speaker 3 (02:41):
Oh? Look, Wollongong Rollhawks have always been a solid outfit.
They've in my opinion, they've always been, you know, one
of the top two teams ever since I can remember
as a kids. So you know, they've got a very
well experienced lineup and a good group of players that
have been playing for you know, fifteen to twenty plus years.
So you know it's not going to be easy, but
you know, we wouldn't want it any other way.
Speaker 1 (03:02):
See ja, to anyone who hasn't been to a wheelchair
basketball game, what can they expect this weekend?
Speaker 3 (03:10):
A lot of a lot of crash and bash. You know,
still technically a non contact sport, but you know, works
of basketball, it's it's a very different atmosphere when you're
seeing it live as opposed to watching it on TV.
You know, you're feeling the impact of the players on court.
You know, they're just the chairs, you know, run and
gun as well, so to speak, but just just the
(03:31):
passion and you'll see a lot of very passionate players
out on court. Because I think you know, for us,
it's our actual first round, although it is the second
round of the National League. We were fortunate enough to
have the buye last weekend so to be able to
have our first home games during Indigenous round leading into
NADOC week and it's you know, in Darwin, nowhere else
I'd rather be.
Speaker 2 (03:51):
Yeah, mate, how does that feel for you? Like that
must be?
Speaker 1 (03:55):
It sounds like it's a wonderful, wonderful weekend and in
particular for you, you know, our home growing star.
Speaker 3 (04:03):
Yeah. Look, it's you know, it's still still got to
pinch myself at times, but you know, this wouldn't have
happened without all the support from you know, down Basketball
Association and you know, like I've mentioned several times, but
you know, Tom and I were just two local kids
wanting to chase our dreams and see where we can
go with it, and you know, we try and make
the most of our opportunities. And thankfully, you know, our
(04:25):
passion ended up leading us to where we are today,
and we're able to help set you know, set the
platform for the next generation and you know, whether kids
are born with their disability or people might acquire their
disability later in life. This is what it's all about,
because we didn't have these options as kids, you know.
Unfortunately for us, we had to actually travel a lot
into state and I went to boarding school and Tom
(04:46):
had to fly a lot to Brisbane. But now we're
very thankful and very grateful for all the support we've
been given from the whole community as you know, all together.
And yeah, we're able to have a local team, you know,
so we don't have to play for Brisbane or Sydney anymore.
We can come home in the dry season, or we
can live here and not have to worry about traveling
as much until the season's actually on.
Speaker 1 (05:06):
Now it's awesome. Hey, you said before, it's a non
contact sport. It gets pretty rough though, doesn't it.
Speaker 3 (05:14):
Oh yeah, no, it does get pretty rough. You know.
That's why I always tell people, Hey, technically it's still
non contact sport wheelchair basketball. But yeah, you will. You
will hear a lot of cheers getting hit, but you know,
it's all part of the experience and it's something something
everyone sort of is a bit stand off, I guess
that at first until they see it and want to
want to jump in and give it a go, or
(05:36):
they just like to watch it live. And you know,
this is the highest level of wheelchair basketball in the country,
So you're getting you know, you're getting Paralympians, You're getting
guys who have gone to a World Cup, several warld Cups,
guys who play professionally overseas or go to college in
the US. You know, pretty much in your backyard now
here in Darwin. So you know, what more would you want?
On a beautiful dry season morning?
Speaker 2 (05:57):
Spot on? Spot On? Now, tell me what type?
Speaker 1 (06:01):
When are the games happening for anybody out there listening
this morning? Who's keen to get along? And anyone can
go and watch, can't they?
Speaker 3 (06:07):
Yeah, that's correct. So if you check out the DA
and Salties nwb L facebook page and the Instagram, you'll
be able to follow there. They've got the link for tickets.
I think you know, tickets starting around fourteen or fifteen,
but from my understanding, don't don't hold that against me.
A little bit more will go. But but there's there's
definitely links on there Katie, for all the listeners out
(06:29):
there and people that might be interested to come and
check us out. You know, we are the defending national
champs as well, so that's it. And it's going to
be a Grand Final repeat or a Grand Final rematch,
I should say here in darl On this weekend, So
that's I think that's what makes it even more specials.
You know already it's already a big weekend as it is,
so you know, playing against the grand final, Grand Final rematch.
Speaker 2 (06:50):
Heah, it sounds like it's going to be wonderful this weekend.
Speaker 3 (06:54):
You know.
Speaker 1 (06:54):
It sounds like all the stars are aligning for the Salty.
Speaker 2 (06:57):
So I hope they do.
Speaker 3 (06:59):
Oh, I hope they to. Hope they do as well.
But you know it's easier said than done. Yeah, like
I said, long or solid outfit, so they won't be
easy to take on. But you know, we love the
challenge and we love the rivalry.
Speaker 1 (07:11):
Yeah, our good stuff will see j lovely to talk
to you this morning. Thank you so much for having
a chat with us. I know you are at training
this morning, and you guys are busy, busy getting prepped
for those games, so really appreciate your time.
Speaker 2 (07:23):
Good luck on the weekend.
Speaker 3 (07:26):
No, thank you very much, Katie, thank you
Our Wheelchair Basketball Australia is gearing up to celebrate a
major milestone this week. It's first ever Kevin Coomb's Indigenous Round.
It's starting on the fourth of July across the men's
National League now. The round recognizes the contributions of Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander players and celebrates culture, connection and
(00:21):
community through.
Speaker 2 (00:22):
The power of sport.
Speaker 1 (00:24):
We are set to see three massive games for the
Darwin Salties, the first being played tomorrow night. Joining me
live on the line from training, I believe is Darwin
Salty's superstar. CJ McCarthy grogan. Good morning to your CJ.
Speaker 3 (00:41):
Good morning Catie, thanks for having me.
Speaker 2 (00:43):
Yeah, lovely to have you on the show.
Speaker 1 (00:45):
Now, how is training looking this morning? How's how the
boys going?
Speaker 3 (00:50):
Yeah, no, the team's looking really really good. We've got
a couple of the other interstate boys frough in yesterday,
so it's not to have all ten of us here.
We've just got one more coming in late tonight from them,
so yeah, we'll almost have everyone. But tomorrow we'll have
a shoot around and we'll have everyone here together.
Speaker 2 (01:05):
Oh good stuff.
Speaker 1 (01:06):
Now tell me about the round that he is named
in honor of Kevin Coombs. Sounds like a phenomenal person
and a great thing to be named in his honor.
Speaker 3 (01:19):
Yeah, one hundred percent. You know, the round definitely is
as well deserving after Uncle Kevin Tombs. And you know,
he was a pioneer that blaze the trail for all
of us as indigenous, not indigenous athletes, but just to
try and help break down the barriers in the real
world as well as off the court. And you know,
I was fortunate enough to know Uncle Kevin before he
(01:39):
passed a few years ago, and just yeah, just grateful
that his family had had given us the approval to
be able to put this round in his name and
he's honor. Yeah.
Speaker 2 (01:48):
Well, and ce js I understand it.
Speaker 1 (01:50):
Obviously you are Ad and Salty's player, but also the
chair of the WBA's Indigenous Working Group. And it sounds like,
you know, this round is more than just being about basketball.
Speaker 3 (02:04):
Yeah, that's correct, Otie. It's more than more than basketball,
and it's it's quite significant to be the first endigenous
round in the National League's history, you know, in this
sport in the country. And you know what, it's even
more special to be celebrating it because it's also coincided
with fiftieth anniversary of Nadok as well. So how awesome
is that?
Speaker 2 (02:22):
How good? And how good to have games happening here
in the Northern.
Speaker 3 (02:26):
Territory, oh, in the dry season as well. I'm looking
forward to it, and I'm sure the WOLLANDNG team are
looking forward to getting out of the cold from down
south as well.
Speaker 2 (02:34):
Yeah, well how are they looking?
Speaker 1 (02:36):
Are you expecting them to be tough opponents for your
games this weekend?
Speaker 3 (02:41):
Oh? Look, Wollongong Rollhawks have always been a solid outfit.
They've in my opinion, they've always been, you know, one
of the top two teams ever since I can remember
as a kids. So you know, they've got a very
well experienced lineup and a good group of players that
have been playing for you know, fifteen to twenty plus years.
So you know it's not going to be easy, but
you know, we wouldn't want it any other way.
Speaker 1 (03:02):
See ja, to anyone who hasn't been to a wheelchair
basketball game, what can they expect this weekend?
Speaker 3 (03:10):
A lot of a lot of crash and bash. You know,
still technically a non contact sport, but you know, works
of basketball, it's it's a very different atmosphere when you're
seeing it live as opposed to watching it on TV.
You know, you're feeling the impact of the players on court.
You know, they're just the chairs, you know, run and
gun as well, so to speak, but just just the
(03:31):
passion and you'll see a lot of very passionate players
out on court. Because I think you know, for us,
it's our actual first round, although it is the second
round of the National League. We were fortunate enough to
have the buye last weekend so to be able to
have our first home games during Indigenous round leading into
NADOC week and it's you know, in Darwin, nowhere else
I'd rather be.
Speaker 2 (03:51):
Yeah, mate, how does that feel for you? Like that
must be?
Speaker 1 (03:55):
It sounds like it's a wonderful, wonderful weekend and in
particular for you, you know, our home growing star.
Speaker 3 (04:03):
Yeah. Look, it's you know, it's still still got to
pinch myself at times, but you know, this wouldn't have
happened without all the support from you know, down Basketball
Association and you know, like I've mentioned several times, but
you know, Tom and I were just two local kids
wanting to chase our dreams and see where we can
go with it, and you know, we try and make
the most of our opportunities. And thankfully, you know, our
(04:25):
passion ended up leading us to where we are today,
and we're able to help set you know, set the
platform for the next generation and you know, whether kids
are born with their disability or people might acquire their
disability later in life. This is what it's all about,
because we didn't have these options as kids, you know.
Unfortunately for us, we had to actually travel a lot
into state and I went to boarding school and Tom
(04:46):
had to fly a lot to Brisbane. But now we're
very thankful and very grateful for all the support we've
been given from the whole community as you know, all together.
And yeah, we're able to have a local team, you know,
so we don't have to play for Brisbane or Sydney anymore.
We can come home in the dry season, or we
can live here and not have to worry about traveling
as much until the season's actually on.
Speaker 1 (05:06):
Now it's awesome. Hey, you said before, it's a non
contact sport. It gets pretty rough though, doesn't it.
Speaker 3 (05:14):
Oh yeah, no, it does get pretty rough. You know.
That's why I always tell people, Hey, technically it's still
non contact sport wheelchair basketball. But yeah, you will. You
will hear a lot of cheers getting hit, but you know,
it's all part of the experience and it's something something
everyone sort of is a bit stand off, I guess
that at first until they see it and want to
want to jump in and give it a go, or
(05:36):
they just like to watch it live. And you know,
this is the highest level of wheelchair basketball in the country,
So you're getting you know, you're getting Paralympians, You're getting
guys who have gone to a World Cup, several warld Cups,
guys who play professionally overseas or go to college in
the US. You know, pretty much in your backyard now
here in Darwin. So you know, what more would you want?
On a beautiful dry season morning?
Speaker 2 (05:57):
Spot on? Spot On? Now, tell me what type?
Speaker 1 (06:01):
When are the games happening for anybody out there listening
this morning? Who's keen to get along? And anyone can
go and watch, can't they?
Speaker 3 (06:07):
Yeah, that's correct. So if you check out the DA
and Salties nwb L facebook page and the Instagram, you'll
be able to follow there. They've got the link for tickets.
I think you know, tickets starting around fourteen or fifteen,
but from my understanding, don't don't hold that against me.
A little bit more will go. But but there's there's
definitely links on there Katie, for all the listeners out
(06:29):
there and people that might be interested to come and
check us out. You know, we are the defending national
champs as well, so that's it. And it's going to
be a Grand Final repeat or a Grand Final rematch,
I should say here in darl On this weekend, So
that's I think that's what makes it even more specials.
You know already it's already a big weekend as it is,
so you know, playing against the grand final, Grand Final rematch.
Speaker 2 (06:50):
Heah, it sounds like it's going to be wonderful this weekend.
Speaker 3 (06:54):
You know.
Speaker 1 (06:54):
It sounds like all the stars are aligning for the Salty.
Speaker 2 (06:57):
So I hope they do.
Speaker 3 (06:59):
Oh, I hope they to. Hope they do as well.
But you know it's easier said than done. Yeah, like
I said, long or solid outfit, so they won't be
easy to take on. But you know, we love the
challenge and we love the rivalry.
Speaker 1 (07:11):
Yeah, our good stuff will see j lovely to talk
to you this morning. Thank you so much for having
a chat with us. I know you are at training
this morning, and you guys are busy, busy getting prepped
for those games, so really appreciate your time.
Speaker 2 (07:23):
Good luck on the weekend.
Speaker 3 (07:26):
No, thank you very much, Katie, thank you
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