Jaron Rillie: Perth Wildcats development player produces stunning cameo to help lead comeback win over NZChris RobinsonThe West AustralianSat, 27 September 2025 6:03PMCommentsCommentsEmail Chris Robinson
Jaron Rillie produced a stunning late cameo in his first-ever NBL minutes to help lead Perth to a thrilling comeback victory when the game was slipping from the Wildcats’ grasp in New Zealand.
After Perth fell behind by 10 points with less than seven minutes remaining, coach John Rillie turned to his development player son to help provide a spark – and the 24-year-old answered the call in remarkable fashion.
Rillie hit a clutch three inside the final minute and was part of a Wildcats unit that closed out the game on a 27-6 run to silence Auckland’s Spark Arena crowd as the visitors prevailed 89-78.
The result saved the WA club from falling into a 0-2 hole to start the NBL season.
Dylan Windler responded from a quiet outing in Perth’s season-opening loss last week to produce 20 points and 15 rebounds, while frontcourt recruit Jo Lual-Acuil Jr was superb with four blocks to go with 21 points and eight boards.
Fellow new face Mason Jones struggled to find his rhythm for a second straight game having only joined his teammates earlier this month. Jones didn’t hit a field goal and went 0-7 from beyond the three-point line before being overlooked in favour of Rillie down the stretch.
More to come
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