Heat happy to have Norton back  

Fan favourite guard Max Norton is back and ready to help spark a new-look Townsville Heat for the 2025 NBL1 North season.

Townsville product Norton has been with the Heat program since 2018 and again shapes as a key contributor and sparkplug off the bench for the team.

The 25-year-old said he can’t wait to be back playing in front of home fans at Carmichael Ford Stadium as the Heat look to embrace a faster playing style under head coach John O’Farrell.

“Playing that fast pace is something we’ve tried to do in previous years but through injuries we haven’t had the bodies or the legs to really do it,” Norton said.

“This year with the season starting a little later we’ve had more time in pre-season and we are really making the most of that time to be better prepared.

“I’m itching to get back out there in front of our home fans again, all of the guys are really looking forward to that reward of first game against Cairns and hopefully starting the season with a win.”

O’Farrell spoke highly of Norton’s improving game and wants to see the young guard continue to back himself in his time on the floor this season.

“I work with him at practice a couple of days a week and he really does have deep shooting range, he just needs to be confident enough to let them fly,” O’Farrell said.

“That’s what he can do so we want him to come out there and be a floor spreader for us and take and make those shots.

“We also need him to be a bit of a dog on defence, be picking up full court and become a menace on that side of the ball and really stand his ground.”

Norton joins a heat playing group that includes some fresh faces in Illawarra Hawks big man Kuany Kuany and American shooting guard Grant Teichmann, as well as returning local stars Ethan Betts, Richard Peacher and Chris Cedar.

“I grew up watching Chris play for the Crocs so I’m really excited to get a chance to play alongside him,” Norton said.

“He is obviously proven at this level as a multiple time champion, he plays fast and if you’re open he will find you.

“I think Kuany will also be an exciting player to watch as well. He’s so athletic and I threw him a lob at training the other night that was way over his head but he just went up there and finished it.

“The whole team is really hungry to get back into the finals mix this season after a few losing seasons and we’re all working hard to make that happen.

“There’s nothing like a game day in Townsville and I can’t wait to get out there.” 

The A. Gabrielli Constructions Townsville Flames and Aligned Townsville Heat will tip- off their NBL1 North campaigns on Saturday, May 3, when they host fierce rivals the Cairns Marlins and Dolphins at Carmichael Ford Stadium.