'Unbelievable achievement': Rillie's praise for Wagstaff

The six-time championship player sits on 449 NBL appearances – all for the Wildcats – ahead of Saturday night’s road clash against Adelaide 36ers.

He’s set to become just the second ever Wildcat to reach the 450-game milestone after the legendary Ricky Grace (482 games).

Rillie, who played 481 NBL games himself across multiple clubs, was full of praise for Wagstaff when asked about his upcoming milestone.

“We’ve had a lot of great players through this organisation but as far as just a well-rounded and respected guy, he’d be at the top of the list I think,” Rillie said.

Rillie described the 37-year-old’s achievement as “unbelievable”, especially as a one-club player.

“We broke bread a little bit yesterday about that,” Rillie said.

“Reaching 450 itself is a great milestone but then to do it for one club, that’s the thing that people probably don’t give the credit to.

“He’s been here through ownership change, coaching change, teammate change and he survived so he’s doing something right which is a complement to him and his family.

“Good luck to him with it all because he deserves whatever he gets from this.

“It’s an unbelievable achievement from him.”

Rillie said the Wildcats players understood the significance of the occasion and wanted to perform for their popular captain and teammate.

“I think we have a team that want to perform for Jesse Wagstaff on his 450th so everyone is well aware of it,” Rillie said.