Hot on the heels of the Burger King NZ Breakers’ first road win of the season comes news that fans have been waiting to hear for nine rounds - Kirk Penney is back.

Penney was talking confidently of a return to action this Thursday night for the visit of the Taipans after training with the team at Atlas Place this morning.

After missing the last nine games with a back injury, the shooting guard is eager to contribute in what is looming as the tightest playoff race in years.

“The past few weeks have been so frustrating, but at last I feel like I am ready to suit up again and contribute.

“The guys have done a tremendous job while I have been out to go 5-4, including some tough road trips in what is clearly a very competitive league this year.

“We would love to have a few more wins under the belt for sure, but this is a tight league and we are still just a couple of games off the top of the ladder

“Unlike a couple of teams, we have evenly split our games home and away so far this season.”

“I can’t wait for Thursday night, though, I still have a couple of sessions to get through this week, but I am feeling very confident in my ability to get through that work and help us make a run at the play offs in the second half of the season.”

The game is already one that will be a celebration of sorts as Penney’s former Tall Black team-mate Paul Henare is acknowledged for clocking up his 200th game in Breakers colours in the road win in Townsville.

Adding to the spice will be the return of former Breaker Phill Jones as he looks to captain the Taipans to a another win over his old team-mates, after beating them in Cairns last Wednesday.