Jane Howlett,Minister for Sport and Recreation
I'd like to extend a warm Tasmanian welcome to the two National Basketball League teams that have arrived in Tasmania to continue their pre-season training and preparation for the upcoming competition.
Players from the South East Melbourne Phoenix and SKY Sport New Zealand Breakers arrived in Hobart this morning, temporarily relocating from Melbourne.
Importantly, the NBL has strict COVID protocols in place which will apply for the players during their training sessions here in Tasmania and their travel is being managed in accordance with the current border restrictions required by Tasmania at our air and sea ports.
It's a coup for Tasmania to have both these teams here in our State as they prepare for the upcoming season and we're looking forward to working with the NBL to see what opportunities might exist for locals to get the chance to watch the best in the country play in pre-season practice matches.
The two teams that arrived in Hobart this morning will train at the Kingborough Sports Centre and will be supported by the Tassie JackJumpers staff already in place in Tasmania.
The NBL has also indicated that it is also looking at temporary relocation options for the Sydney Kings and The Hawks, currently located in Albury. We are continuing our conversations with the NBL about Tasmania also hosting both these teams. Again, the teams would be subject to the same border restrictions that apply to other travellers, including quarantining on arrival if required.
On behalf of all Tasmanians, I'd like to welcome the players to Tassie, especially as we continue in our preparations for the Tassie JackJumpers' entry into the NBL in 2021/22.
