'He lets me be me': Tai's praise for coach

The charismatic New Zealander has been an important contributor for the Wildcats this season, highlighted by his late efforts in Friday’s thrilling one-point win over Tasmania at RAC Arena.

Webster reflected on his energy and hoped it was contagious around his teammates, especially with a length road trip on the horizon.

“JR is a great sport about it but it wasn’t always like that. I’ve matured a lot,” Webster told The West Australian’s The Dribble Podcast.

“I’m a big jokes guy. I’ve probably said a couple of jokes at inappropriate times over the years just to lighten the mood in the locker room. It’s tough for me to bite my tongue when I want to say something.

“Some coaches don’t appreciate it. Some coaches are too serious for that, especially in Europe. Being back home here, it’s a little different. JR gets it and he’s a great sport about it. He lets me be me.

“From the outside, it looks like I’m the joke guy or the funny guy in the group, but it’s a lot more than that. I think everyone knows how contagious energy can be. I’ve got an extra light to burn.

“So if I can bring my guys up to my level of energy and get everyone engaged in the game and take them away from whatever they’re thinking about, that’s what I’m going to do. It helps us and it propels us. It’s an important aspect of the team culture.”

Webster and the Wildcats hit the road on Friday ahead of a blockbuster clash against Melbourne United at John Cain Arena on Saturday night.

It’s the first of four consecutive away games, including three in seven days with Cairns in Boxing Day followed by Adelaide on December 28.