'I have to be ready for war' - Jordan Perkins prepared as Tralee Warriors face Ballincollig showdown

WAR: Ballincollig's Latrell Jossel and Tralee Warriors' Jordan Perkins pictured at the Domino's National Cup Finals Media Day. Pic: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

The feeling ahead of the Domino’s Cup Final is extraordinary according to Jordan Perkins of Tralee Warriors.

The Kerry side face off with Ballincollig on Saturday in the decider in Dublin.

Perkins, who previously played in Finland and Azerbaijan, said he has enjoyed the experience so far.

“I reached the cup final in Azerbaijan and that was insane but, here, it’s even bigger. I can tell how much people really appreciate and cherish cup games. It’s amazing here and I’m really excited to play on Saturday,” he said.

The Warriors booked their spot in the final with a hard-fought semi-final win over UCD Marian. Perkins believes that performance will stand to his side on Saturday.

“That was a good game for us, we were ahead throughout and didn’t blow the lead. Whenever they made their runs, we did a great job of staying composed and not folding under pressure,” said Perkins.

Tralee’s win was aided heavily by a big performance from Daniel Jokubaitis and Perkins praised the attitude of his teammate.

“It’s motivating. He gets in that mode when it’s time for the cup and he takes his offence to another level,” he said.

Originally from Greensboro in North Carolina, Perkins said he has enjoyed his time in Tralee as it reminds him a lot of home.

“It’s like a family style; it’s country and reminds me of down south in the US. Everybody knows each and looks out for each other. I like that vibe a lot and can carry that onto the court,” he said.

“The whole vibe that Tralee gives off fits me. I really like the environment; that’s a huge part of playing overseas. I’ve enjoyed my time here and the growth. Our chemistry has improved with each and every game.”

Perkins knows his side faces a big challenge on Saturday. Ballincollig had won 13 straight in all competitions before losing to St Vincent’s in Super League action at the weekend.

“They are going to play aggressively defensively. I’ve found in Ireland that every team in Ireland is really aggressive on me personally. I have to be mentally ready for war and to be aggressive on both ends,” he said.

“It’s a challenge, of course, but my thing is that I try to embrace the challenge and combat it by being aggressive as well.”

In terms of what Tralee need to do to win and lift the cup for the first time since 2022, Perkins said it’s about getting the basics right.

“We need to limit turnovers and defend well. Our defence is why we were able to beat UCD Marian in the cup. If we take care of things on defence, then offence isn’t as much of a struggle.”

The American is confident that his side will be in the right frame of mind on Saturday thanks to their head coach, John Dowling.

“He’s a competitor, just like me. We’re alike in a lot of ways, the blend that we have is really good. We’ve been able to grow together; we’ve got a lot of trust in each other.”