Robbins and Rogers Reunite at Warwick Senators

The pair first crossed paths in 2006 when Robbins joined the Willetton Tigers in the SBL. It didn’t take long for Rogers to recognise Robbins as someone he wanted by his side at the Wildcats.

“I met Brad Robbins playing in the SBL at the time for Willeton… I realised very quickly that he's the kind of guy that we want at the club (Wildcats).”

Both men went on to enjoy decorated careers with the Wildcats, each serving as captain and winning championships. After their playing days ended, they transitioned into coaching, continuing their impact on the game from the sidelines.

Robbins and Rogers reunited as coaches of the Warwick Senators women’s NBL1 West team for the 2024 season. This time, the leadership dynamic had shifted — something Rogers has embraced.

“The roles have been reversed and now I'm sort of his understudy, but I'm just really enjoying spending time with my friend.”

Rogers spoke highly of Robbins’ evolution, not just as a coach, but as a person.

“His coaching acumen and knowledge is next level. He's one of the best coaches I've ever been around and I don't say that lightly.”

“Brad was known as the angry ant, he was a very emotional player, as was I.”

“I was his captain at the time, so I would quite often have to sort of calm him down a little bit.”

“Just seeing the development of him as a person… how zen and calm he is, most of the time.”

Now focused on giving back to the game at the community level, Rogers is finding fulfillment in a new phase of his basketball journey.

“I feel like basketball has given me everything in my life. It's given me travel, it's given me my best friends.”

“I always feel like I owe a debt of gratitude to the game, so I'm always keen to try and give back.”

Drawing on his experience as a professional basketball player, as a coach Rogers emphasizes the importance of savoring every moment and maintaining a positive environment for his players.

“We try to instill in the players to just enjoy every moment that you've got, because it's a finite thing.”

“I just want to keep the training and the games really fun for the players. That camaraderie in any sport, not just professional sport, it's fun to be around and to nurture that a little bit.”

He also underlines the value of daily discipline and preparation as keys to success both on and off the court.

“I just think it's important to develop that elite mindset about how you go about your business every day and making sure that when you step onto the floor that you're prepared to go and give everything you've got.”

At the halfway mark of the season, Rogers and Robbins have coached the Warwick Senators women’s team to a strong second-place standing on the ladder.

The side face off in whats set to be the game of the round with the third place East Perth Eagles tonight at Warwick Stadium, catch them on court from 5.00pm.