Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic assistant coach Hikitia Gallagher has suddenly found herself in the hot seat as her side prepares for their most important game of the season.
With head coach Noeline Taurua resting after the birth of her fifth child, Gallagher has been charged with the responsibility
of preparing the Magic for Sunday's transtasman play-off match against the NSW Swifts.
Gallagher said while there was no way of knowing when Taurua's baby would come, it was an eventuality she was prepared for.
"Noels is pretty good at putting a plan A, B, C and D in place so we were all organised there."
Taurua gave birth to a 9lb 1oz (4.11kg) baby girl at Rotorua Hospital on Wednesday night, about the same time the Magic were wrapping up their training in Cambridge.
Gallagher said while the Magic players were anxious to know how their coach was getting on, they still put in a good training session.
Taurua plans to be back at the helm for Sunday's clash, in which the winner will go through to the final.
Gallagher said "the boss" had been in contact with team management and the players to ensure the disruptions in the Magic's build-up were kept to a minimum.
"Her mind is still ticking away with ideas about what to expect this weekend so she's still got her mind on the job really," said Gallagher.
Tickets for Sunday's match at Mystery Creek sold out less than 24 hours after going on sale.
