Gold Coast made an ominous statement with the season's biggest victory against a hapless Wollongong.

ONE thing I learned early in my career was never to underestimate a veteran.

Blaze coach Joey Wright says a defensive standard has been set which now must be maintained starting with Saturday night’s showdown against Wollongong.

Import Will Hudson has revealed a timely lift in training intensity was one of the catalysts behind the Gold Coast Blaze’s three-game winning streak that has propelled them into the NBL top four.

The Blaze try to tighten the their grip on a top-four spot against the resurgent Hawks.