Logan Thunder WNBL forward Rebecca Haynes has made an immediate impact for the Rockhampton Hogs Breath Cafe Cyclones.  Haynes top-scored with 17 points in the Cyclones 65-53 victory over the Mackay Meteorettes in their trial game in Mackay on Saturday night.  The new signing was just one of the stars in a superb opening hit-out for the Cyclones, with guards Chantelle Traficante (15 points) and Lara Napier (12 points) also chiming in on the scoreboard.  But it was the Cyclones new-found defensive steel which pleased coach Kevin Bolck after the team kept Mackay to just 14 points in the opening two quarters.

"Our defence was extremely good in the first half," Bolck said after leading 35-14 at the main break.  "I want to focus on being one of the best defensive teams in the QBL this year."

While defence was the highlight, Bolck also liked what he saw down the other end of the court, with the Cyclones leading by as much as 23 points during the match.

"The first half of basketball we played was great," he said.  "It was well structured and a pleasure to watch.  "Everyone scored and everyone contributed it was a great team effort straight off."

Bolck praised Haynes, the first of the teams new arrivals this season, for her stand-out performance.

"Bec was very good on the boards and scoring," he said.

The Cyclones will be further strengthened with the arrivals of Australian Opals star and Canberra Capitals centre Abby Bishop and former WNBA player Leah Rush ahead of the teams QBL season opener against defending state and national champions Townsville Flames on May 3.