WNBL history beckoning as the Sydney Flames say thank you to Opals great in blockbuster stand-alone clash

Lauren Jackson was Cayla George’s childhood hero and then Opals teammate, but on Sunday, they’ll be WNBL rivals for the last time.

Sydney Flames star Cayla George grew up with Lauren Jackson pictures on her school books, so it feels fitting that she will mark up against Jackson in what is shaping as the Australian great’s final WNBL game in the Harbour City.

The Flames will honour Jackson’s Hall of Fame career on Sunday when they host the Southside Flyers in a historic stand-alone game at Qudos Bank Arena.

A crowd of over 8,000 is expected to pack Qudos, which would help Sydney break the WNBL game attendance record of 7,681 set at the same venue in February last year.

The special occasion for women’s basketball is a double celebration for George, who will chalk up for 350th appearance in the WNBL.

The Australian star feels like it’s fate to play her milestone match against Jackson – her childhood idol and fellow “Opals sister”.

“Lauren has had an incredible impact on my journey as a junior player, but mostly as a teammate,” George told the Flames this week about Jackson, who has won five WNBL championships and four WNBL MVPs.

“She was on my school books – she is just the best and I can’t wait to take the court with her again on Sunday.”

Lauren Jackson and Cayla George celebrate victory during the 2022 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup. Picture: Kelly Defina/Getty Images

George and Jackson combined to help the Opals sweep their Olympic qualifiers in Brazil last week to punch a ticket to this year’s Paris Games.

The pair will put aside their national team camaraderie in Sunday’s blockbuster WNBL clash.

Sydney and Southside sit in fourth and second position respectively – and George is determined to claim one over Jackson to help the Flames secure a fifth straight win.

“I’m excited to keep this form going with the Flames heading into what could be the first finals appearance for the club in a few years, so it’s important to finish off the regular season strong,” she said.

“Like us, Southside is looking to finish strong and lock up a finals spot.

“We have to want it more and play the Flames way.”

George has enjoyed a statistically historic season with Sydney.

She recently became the WNBL’s all-time rebounder, while she also moved into fourth position on the scorers list.

George doesn’t take her blessed career to date for granted.

“I’ve been able to play with some pretty special humans over the last 350, that’s what I think about the most,” the reigning WNBL MVP said.

“As athletes, we are always onto the next season or the next tournament so we often don’t reflect but this past year or so I’ve been reflecting a lot – I’m really proud of myself.

“People really only see the highs and the good stuff but it’s been a rollercoaster of emotions during my career and I have come to realise I am super resilient and much stronger than I give myself credit for.”

HISTORIC WNBL STAND-ALONE GAME: LAUREN JACKSON THANK YOU GAME

Sydney Flames vs. Southside Flyers at Qudos Bank Arena from 2.45pm (AEDT)

Originally published as WNBL history beckoning as the Sydney Flames say thank you to Opals great in blockbuster stand-alone clash