Rillie: "We will get out of this"

Under fire Perth Wildcats coach John Rillie has backed his team to bounce back from its disappointing start to NBL24 and says he won't be flustered by external criticism about his performance.

The Wildcats have lost their last three matches and host Brisbane on Friday night in a must-win clash, with The West reporting "anger among fans" around the team's recent form.

“If they’re unhappy, just imagine how I feel if we’re 2-4 and not playing well,” Rillie said.

“As I’ve always said from day one, if I’m taking on board what other people are saying I am going to set myself up for failure.

“Are we in an industry where you can’t avoid it? I don’t try to find what people say about John Rillie, but someone thinks they’re helping you out and they send a screenshot of something so you can’t avoid the noise.

“I’m not going to embrace the noise. I’m going to stay with who I am and we will get out of this.”

Perth was highly praised for its recruiting drive in the off-season, highlighted by the signings of Keanu Pinder and Jordan Usher, but after showing plenty at the Hungry Jack's NBL Blitz and in the season-opener against Tasmania, things have gone awry.

Rillie believes the tide will turn soon, particularly for three-time MVP Bryce Cotton, who has been quiet by his lofty standards and shouldered much of the blame for the Wildcats' issues. 

“When you have a great expectation of yourself, you’re always going to reflect inwardly. Bryce certainly does that. I certainly do that,” Rillie said.

“What I do know is the way we apply our craft, I think it’s successful. Is it an uncomfortable place when you’re not performing at the level? Absolutely. But the belief is there.

“We certainly have to be more mindful of helping Bryce to get out of this. He just can’t take ownership of it himself. That’s unfair on himself to do that.”

Perth hosts the Brisbane Bullets at RAC Arena on Friday night, with tip-off from 9.30pm AEDT. Fans can watch the game on ESPN via Kayo.

Read the full story here >> Perth Wildcats coach John Rillie addresses form, pressure and Bryce Cotton ahead of Brisbane Bullets NBL clash