Rockets face Bradford Dragons in the EBL Division One play-off semi-final this Saturday (2pm tip-off) and if they are successful, will face either Essex Leopards or Leeds Carnegie on Sunday in the final (4.15pm tip-off).

Victory this weekend will make it six successive national trophies for the Rockets and will wrap up their fourth success of the season as they continue to dominate on a national level.

Rockets have met the Dragons three times this season, with the Berkshire outfit winning two and the Dragons taking one victory.

And coach Manuel Pena Garces is confident in his side but spoke openly about his admiration for their upcoming semi-final opponents.

“Bradford are the only team to thoroughly beat us this season so we know this is especially tough for us,” he admitted.

"They are a great team and very well coached. I really respect coach Mellor for everything he has done with his team and for him to be the coach of the year was very good for him and his club and was certainly where my vote went.

“They have quite a few threats from multiple positions so this week’s preparation needs to be detailed and as a coaching team we will need to make sure our players have and retain this information.

"While we want to make sure we are prepared it is important that my players are ready to play especially on the big stage and I have full belief that they will be.

“They will need to work very hard this week and produce the things that have made them successful and I am sure they can do this because they have done so all year.

“I hope we can get to the final and give ourselves a chance to win the play-offs as this would be great for our club and our fans.”

It has been two weeks since Rockets overcame Newham Neptunes in the play-off quarter-finals and every Rockets player is well rested, with a full squad available to Pena Garces ahead of the weekend.

Star man Josh Wilcher is available after a hernia scare last month in a game against Hemel Storm threatened to prematurely end the point guard’s season.

Gabriel Diaz Morera is also fit despite suffering with multiple ankle injuries throughout the season.

“We had a good week last week and have had a few days off to clear up any injuries and rest ahead of the most important time in the season,” added Pena Garces.

“We have achieved some great things and I am delighted for everyone involved with our club but the hard work cannot stop yet.”