Rockingham Flames announce new women's coach after releasing Marcus Wong

The Rockingham Flames have a new women's NBL1 West coach.

Lukas Carey will step into the role for the 2025 and 2026 season after the Flames released Marcus Wong from the job last week.

It is not yet known why Wong was released as he still had one year left on his contract.

He also helped lead the Flames to their fourth NBL1 West grand final win this year after being appointed coach for the 2024 season.

Carey said he is no stranger to the club and is looking forward to taking on the role of head coach.

“My family and I are excited to return to Rockingham. Having coached here many years ago and having my wife play her SBL career here, we have an affiliation with this club that goes deeper than basketball," he said.

"This club is a family club and I am excited to get to work with the many talented juniors that call this club home.

“We are immediately hitting the ground running, speaking with, and locking away a roster that will make this club proud. It will include some exciting names as well as a group of talented Rockingham juniors that are our future. We will be fun to watch.”

Flames General Manager Shannon Conrad said Carey comes with a raft of experience.

“We are excited to have a Head Coach not just with the level of experience of Lukas, but who also shares our club’s goals for creating a sustainable pathway to provide opportunities for our local players and coaches. Coupled with Men’s Head Coach Ryan Petrik we believe our coaching team to be one of the top pairings Australia-wide."