NZ to WA Mitchell Newton signs with the Wolves

The Joondalup Wolves have announced the signing of former New Zealand Breaker Mitchell Newton for the 2021 NBL1 West season.

The 6’6” forward played for the Hawkes Bay Hawks and Southland Sharks where he won two NZNBL Championships. Newton also represented New Zealand when he toured the Philippines and Taiwan.

In 2016, Newton moved to Australia to play for the Sunbury Jet’s in the Big V. He then spent the off-season training with Melbourne United before signing with the Albury Wodonga Bandits in the SEABL.

He then returned to New Zealand where he played with the New Zealand Breakers in the NBL.

“I was talking to Coach Andrew about coming to play for him again, I’ve heard great things about the club and I am really looking forward to start playing again," Newton said.

"I have played against Joel back in Auckland when we were younger so I am looking forward to playing with him and all the other guys.”

Joondalup CEO and coach Andrew Summerville shared his thoughts on Newton signing with the Wolves for the 2021 NBL1 West season.

“Mitchell could prove to be a real x-factor for us this season," Summerville said.

"He is coming back from some time off after injury so it will take him some time to get his legs back but once he does, we predict he will be a very good player in this league.

"By the age of 21 Mitch had played NBL, NZNBL and represented his country, that doesn’t happen unless you have some serious talent. Having coached Mitch before in Victoria, I know what he is capable of and I can’t wait to see him back on the court.

"At 6’6 with the ability to shoot the 3 and bang bodies inside the paint, Mitch will be a valuable asset to us this season.”

Newton will be joining Lochlan Cummings, Seb Salinas, Reece Maxwell, Joel Vaiangina, Hamish Warden, Jordan Wellsteed, Jonathan Wade, Ben Ironmonger, Jacob Formosa, Robbie Huntington, Trian Iliadis and Matt Teale on the Wolves men’s 2021 roster.