Wildcats announce signings

The Perth Wildcats have received a massive boost on and off the court with the re-signing of Paul Rogers, signing of Martin Cattalini and Jesse Wagstaff, and a significant sponsor coming on board.

The six-figure deal with West Australian-based sports and racing betting agency Player is a significant boost to the Wildcats who are in desperate need of corporate support, while the actual playing stocks have also risen significantly.

With MVP Shawn Redhage, young gun Stephen Weigh and tenacious guard Brad Robbins already signed up for 2009-10, the addition of veteran Cattalini on return home from Cairns, US college forward Wagstaff and re-signing of centre Rogers give the Wildcats a strong squad.

Gone from last season are Peter Crawford, Alex Loughton, Chris Goulding, Isiah Victor, Ben Knight, Darnell Hinson, Jeff Dowdell, Adam Caporn and Tom Garlepp, but there is still room for two more Australian players and the imports.

Rogers will turn 36 before the start of the season and missed all but two games due to knee and back injuries in 2008-09, but is feeling rejuvenated at the look of the new league, in his body and being reunited with 'Cat'.

"Last season wasn't fun and this off-season has been harrowing with all the issues that have come up, but it's great to be one step closer to finishing my career as a Wildcat. I love this club and am over the moon to be here for another season," Rogers said.

"We feel fortunate to still be playing basketball and when that all went down, it brings your sporting mortality to the fore. Now that it is all full steam ahead it's looking like a strong competition and I feel it's building in the right direction."

"Cattalini brings a pretty big nose and it's good to have another one on the team. It's just awesome to have Cat back here. He started here, won a championship and went away to do great things elsewhere. We've known each other a long time, playing in a couple of Olympic Games together and it's so nice to have a real champion like that who can win games off his own back."

"We might have lacked someone with that confidence and ability to take over a game and win it for us. He's going to be a huge bonus and young guys like Jesse Wagstaff will learn a lot off him. I know nothing about Jesse Wagstaff except that (coach) Rob Beveridge calls me every day saying that he's a player, he's ready to go and that he is going to be awesome."

Wildcats chief executive Nick Marvin is delighted to have Player on board as a new sponsor, and the brand will be on the back of Perth's playing singlets.

However, the club still needs some more significant financial backing before the season tips off in October and Marvin is confident of that coming so that owner Jack Bendat doesn't have to be relied upon too heavily.

"We need people to support not just what we do on the court, and we are arguably the most successful club in this state with four championships and playoffs for 23 years straight, but also the work with the schools, regional communities and the values we stand for," Marvin said.

"We are strong believers in being role models and we believe that has a place in this