Quinlivan back in city

Former Palmerston North Boys' High School student Hugh Quinlivan is heading back to Manawatu to play for the Jets this season.

The 22-year-old forward was a last-minute signing for the Jets before they clash with Quinlivan's former team, the Wellington Saints, this weekend.

Quinlivan played for the Saints for the past two years after completing a year at junior college in the United States. He played for the Nelson Giants as a Year 13 high-school student in 2005.

The 1.98m forward trialled for the Jets earlier in the year and did pre-season training with the Saints, but spent February overseas on holiday and didn't sign anything until his return.

He was keen to get extended minutes for the Jets this year as opposed the limited time he saw at the Saints.

"It's just the opportunity to contribute to the team," he said.

"I think it's a good environment."

In one of his appearances against the Jets last season, Quinlivan scored nine points and pulled down eight rebounds in 14 minutes from the bench.

Being able to work under new Jets coach Ryan Weisenberg was a contributing factor to his decision to sign, he said.

"He seems like a pretty switched on guy and that's something I wanted to do."

Quinlivan, an insurance worker for IAG in its claims department, said opening the season against the Saints would be a good test.

"I just want to get amongst it and I'm really itching to get out there. It's not a grudge match, I just want to show what I can do."

The Jets now have three Wellingtonians signed, with guard Matt Te Huna and centre Calum MacLeod lining up beside Quinlivan.

Weisenberg said Quinlivan's signing was a boost to the lineup ahead of their first match.

"He got some good minutes for the Saints last year, he's really active, great defender, a real smart player," Weisenberg said.

"He's going to play a critical role for us just in the post."

- © Fairfax NZ News