Cotton grateful to be in Boomers conversation

Perth Wildcats guard Bryce Cotton said he was pleasantly surprised to have his permanent residency granted earlier this week.

Prior to Tuesday’s game, Cotton visited a government building in Melbourne where he finally received his Distinguished Talent Visa.

It means he can now apply to become an Australian Citizen.

 “It definitely helps, keeping my mind on the game, it was a pleasant surprise with the permanent residency coming through, so things are trending in the right direction.”

Becoming an Australian Citizen would make Cotton eligible to play for Australia at the upcoming Tokyo Olympic Games.

He said it would be an honour just to be considered.

“I’m just so grateful this is even a conversation, that’s a huge accomplishment for me, for a country to even consider me to represent them in a place I’m not even from,” he said.

“I feel like I’m winning either way regardless. It’s a true blessing.”

Perth Wildcats CEO Troy Georgiu told The West Australian he was thankful for the government’s support during the process.

“We are extremely grateful for the support of Federal Member for Swan Steve Irons and the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Migrant Services Alex Hawke, for assisting with Bryce’s application after it was unforeseeably delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.

“Our number one goal has always been to do everything we can to help Bryce achieve his Olympic dream, and now that we have reached this important milestone, we are hopeful his application for citizenship can be expedited.”