Luke Nevill moves to Triumph

The Melbourne Tigers announced today that Luke Nevill has been released from his iiNet NBL Championship contract as he has agreed to terms with Russian PBL Club Triumph Lyubertsy. Melbourne Tigers CEO Seamus McPeake confirmed that Nevill's agent approached the club seeking a release, which the club has approved. "From the time that Luke arrived at the club he made his playing career aspirations clear and there was always the possibility an overseas contract could present itself. It is not ideal timing for us, however as a club we will never stand in the way of a player's career development. Player development is high on the agenda here at the Tigers and if players get the chance to take a step up in their playing career we have been, and will continue to be, willing to accommodate the request", said McPeake. "We would have loved to have kept Luke with the club as we think he is an improving young player with a huge amount of potential, however Luke and his agent believe that a move to Russia will enhance his chances at making it to the highest level." The Tigers are not actively seeking a replacement player, instead looking within the club's development program and existing playing group to step up and cover the loss. "We wish Luke the best of luck for the remainder of this season and in his career aspirations. His departure does, however, provide an opportunity for other players within the system to step up and fill the void", McPeake said.