XRM feeling at home with United

Written by Melbourne United Media

As he prepares for his first game of the Hungry Jack’s NBL23 season with Melbourne United, import guard Xavier Rathan-Mayes said he couldn’t feel more comfortable with his new side.

Having made the move to Melbourne from Illawarra in the offseason, XRM says the settling in period has been so smooth, as he hopes to make the city his home long-term.

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“Being in a bigger city like Melbourne has been great. I’m happy here in Melbourne and I’d like for this to be my long-term home,” he said.

“If I can integrate myself and really become a part of this team, this culture and this city, that would make me really happy.”

A familiar face that’s helped the Canadian dynamo’s transition easy has been United captain Chris Goulding, who has spent time working with Rathan-Mayes in previous offseasons.

Using that pre-existing chemistry, XRM got rolling to close Melbourne’s preseason, helping his new side to a second-place finish in the NBL Blitz while averaging 16.5 points per game across United’s pair of wins.

“I’ve known Chris Goulding for a few years now and our relationship is special… that chemistry has been there for a little bit, it’s about continuously learning about the guys around me.

“We made some really good steps in our final few games in Darwin so I think we’re trending in the right direction.”

Rathan-Mayes will be hoping to continue that momentum on Sunday afternoon when he makes his United debut at John Cain Arena.

In his three previous games on Melbourne’s home court, the guard has never lost, averaging over 17 points per game.

With only days remaining until Melbourne United’s first game of the NBL23 season, time is running out to secure your tickets and be there to watch the league’s most exciting team take the court at John Cain Arena.

Tickets are available here, and for those looking to sign up as a member, there has never been a better time than right now during United’s Membership Week.

New members who sign up within this period will not only receive all of the regular exclusive member benefits, but shall also receive a limited edition NBL23 poster, a free double pass to another NBL23 home game, a thank you call from a member of the playing group, as well as a tasty offer from one of our major partners.

On top of those can’t miss bonuses, all members who sign up this week will go into the draw to win one of two major prizes, being either a home visit from some Melbourne United players or free upgrade into an eight-seat courtside box at an NBL23 home game.

Click here to sign up and stand United today!