Toby Whale playing his role in Tamworth Thunderbolts state league lineup

The 18-year-old made the step up to the Thunderbolts senior setup this season and is adjusting to his new role.

“In the 18s group, I was, I guess you could say, one of the main scorers in the group, but obviously, in the state league there’s a lot of people who can score,” he said.

“My role is to go out and give it my all, bring intensity, bring a fresh set of legs, play hard and score when I can.”

The Thunderbolts host Manly-Warringah on Saturday at the dome and Whale is expecting a physical encounter.

Much like fellow junior teammate Riley Murphy, Whale said the physicality is the biggest difference between juniors and seniors and the McCarthy student is embracing it.

“It’s done the world of good for me as a basketball player. It’s toughened me up,” Whale said.

“Some of the older guys really give it to you [at training], even our new import Rashanti [Harris].

“Especially at training you get banged around. They don’t go easy. You’ve gotta work for it.”

Whale has come through the Thunderbolts ranks from the under 12s right through to the senior side.

As a kid, he watched on as some of his now teammates played state league and wondered if he’d get his chance.

“A lot of veteran players on the team now were playing back when I was watching so it’s pretty good to be able to learn from them now,” Whale said.

“It’s pretty cool to actually play with them and see what it’s like because it’s a whole different game in state league.”