Sydney Uni Flames teen Tahlia Tupaea happy to play support role to Opal

IT was the worst time of her life but Tahlia Tupaea believes a foot injury is part of the reason the Flames are producing one of their most memorable seasons.

Belinda Snell and Tahlia Tupaea at Flames training.

• Swifts bracing for Giant scare tactics
• Major overhaul for world triathlon
• OUCH: I heard it pop
• Jillaroos in historic win
• Close call a wake-up

IT was the worst time of her life but teen basketball star Tahlia Tupaea believes a foot injury which required surgery and her sitting out two month is part of the reason the Sydney Uni Flames are producing one of their most memorable seasons.

The Flames on Saturday clinched the WNBL minor premiership with a 91-77 victory over Dandenong in Sydney with the clubs sights now set on winning the overall title for 2016/2017.

And key to the success will be point guards Leilani Mitchell and Tupaea.

Mitchell, who won Player of the Month honours last week, has been a standout for the Flames since the Sydney club pulled off a major coup by enticing the Opal star to play as a replacement for the injured Tupaea just a week before the season start.

SUPER NETBALL: SUPER SEASON AHEAD

Tahlia Tupaea in action in the WNBL.

Her acceptance sent Tupaea from the starting five to the bench on her return from injury nine weeks ago. But now she has developed into a serious impact player for the Flames.

But the Penrith born-and-bred basketballer doesn’t mind at all — as long as the Flames keep winning.

SNOOZE, WE LOSE

YOU CAN HAVE IT ALL — ON SOME DAYS

“I just think what has happened has been for the good of the team,’’ said Tupaea, 19, pegged as a future Opal from the time she became the second youngest debutant in WNBL history at age 15 and 133 days,

Leilani Mitchell has been playing a big role for the Flames.

“She has been key to where we are on the ladder.

“It doesn’t matter than I am not starting now with Leilani there. I just want to help out, contribute as much as I can.’’

On a seven-game winning streak — and winners of 10 of their past 11 outings — the Flames have secured a home semi-final series against a team still to be determined.

Tahlia Tupaea is happy to be a team plater with the Sydney Flames.

The Flames’ final outing of the regular season is against Adelaide in Sydney on Saturday.