The roster that we've got on paper, I've heard a lot of people don't really credit us too much," the 23-year-old said.  "I like that, let them think that and come play in the house of pain and we'll just destroy teams because we're big; we're going to be big and strong."

Martin will be joined by new signings, former Brisbane Bullets team-mate Justin Brown, the Gold Coasts Jason Aucoin and American import Reggie Golson in coming weeks in the countdown to the teams QBL season tip-off against Townsville at Hegvold Stadium on May 3.  With captain Darren Richardson and fellow team stalwart Paul Scott retired, Ben Thompson joining Stephen Weigh in Perth and imports Ryan McDade and Saulius Dumbliauskas not returning, Martin said there was a massive opportunity for citys future stars to stand up and be counted.

"We won the nationals last year, and although four out of the five starters aren't coming back, the guys that are on the bench have tasted what it's like to win a state and national title," he said.  "They've seen what you've got to do, all the hard work that we had to put in and the guys that have put in over their careers and I think that'll make them stronger when they get their time."

Martin will return to a Rockets singlet in Mackay tonight with extra size and full of confidence after seeing plenty of court time in the NBL for the Wollongong Hawks.  "That was the first team I got to play legitimately for in the NBL so the whole season was a whole new learning experience in itself," he said.  "I put on 4-5 kilos in a month down there when we did pre-season and I've just maintained that weight.  "I'm not as quick but a little bit stronger."

Martin joked the extra size had its advantages against the "big boys" in the NBL.  "I got wiped out a few times. Tony Ronaldson actually got me one time from New Zealand and he's a giant," he laughed.

After folding at the end of last season, the Hawks are flying again and are set to be one of the teams announced by Basketball Australia next week as part of a revamped NBL.  While unsigned, Martin is hopeful of returning to the Snake Pit or attracting the attention of rival NBL clubs with a big season in the QBL.  The Rockhampton Hogs Breath Cafe Cyclones also begin their campaign in Mackay tonight and will continue preparations in the Motel 98 QBL Pre Season Blitz, announced yesterday.

Teams from Rockhampton, Mackay, Gladstone and Bundaberg will hit Hegvold Stadium on April 18 in a big day and night of QBL action. Tickets for the tournament go on sale on Monday.  By The Morning Bulletin.