Mr Healy was featuring on the Friday Sport Talk segment on the Manning River Times Facebook page.

He pointed out that the Saxby’s Stadium is used by other sports, including futsal and indoor netball and an bigger, more modern complex would be able to house other activities. He said it could even be used for a conventions or major social events. Mr Healy said this would enable basketball and other sports to host tournaments that bring money into the area, pointing to the success Manning Hockey has enjoyed because of its first class facilities.

The association is currently seeking State and federal funding to build a new stadium or increase the size of the current facility.

Mr Healy has been involved with basketball nearly all his life. He moved to Taree in 1984 and has been a player, coach and now administrator with the Taree Basketball Association since. He has seen the game ebb and flow in terms of popularity and player numbers here, but reports the basketball is on the rise, particularly in terms of player numbers in the junior age groups.

Next Friday’s guest will be Chatham Wolves first division men’s hockey coach Frank Birkefeld. He’ll be speaking to Mick McDonald from 9.30. Manning Hockey's grand finals will be played on Saturday.