The NWBU U22 roster will begin this Tuesday night. The U22 roster show cases the young talent on the North West with all clubs fielding competitive teams. It gives a chance for younger players to get more court time and develop their game in readiness for next year’s senior roster. Most games are actioned packed, featuring fast paced and high scoring games.

In the Women’s roster, last year’s winners Penguin will be very hard to beat. They also took out the U18 title this year and have many talented juniors in their club. Rebecca Abel, Maddison Hayward along with Drive-in player Ellie Collins are experienced senior players.

Ulverstone will be out to stop Penguin’s dominance and will rely heavily on Charlotte O’Neil and Georgia Davenport. Other clubs to push for the top four will be Somerset and Devonport.

Somerset who have last year’s MVP Sami Phillips and have also obtained the services of Launceston Drive-in Jayde Brazendale. Devonport who are well coached by Tony Webb, have talented Hobart Drive-in player Taylor Mole along with the experience of Phoebe Sutton, Chelsea Gleeson and Samantha Clements.

Burnie have lost key players; Maddie Atkins and Taylor Mole. However, they have recruited Maddison Stokes and Millie Smith as well as young exciting Launceston Drive-in Claudia Howard. Wynyard has a similar squad to last year, but has regained the services of Kelsey Johnstone who will be one of the dominant players in the competition.

Smithton will have a young and exciting team. Latrobe will look to improve their performance this year with the recruitment of Talena Smith and will rely heavily on the skill of Launceston Drive-in Brooke Brown.

In the men’s roster, Burnie will be after the record breaking achievement of winning four straight in a row. There is little change in their roster and once again have the luxury of three experienced senior players in Joe Chilcott, Emmitt Smith and Isaac Plant. However, Joe will miss the first part of the season with an injury.

Penguin will again be very competitive with the big scoring ability of Tyler Kelly, Fraser Eaton and Jaylen Beveridge. Latrobe has recruited well gaining the services of Sam Langmaid combined with experience players; the Triffett brothers Jack and Alex as well as Sam Pulford and Jacob Parker. Both teams have the ability to stop Burnie’s dominance.

Smithton will rely heavily on the strength and size of Hugh King to improve their performance this year. Wynyard has a young squad and will rely on experienced duo; Dalton Wilson and Stuart Lee. Somerset will be a dark house as they have Lachie Barker, Jaylen Howard and Mitchell Salter whom together will cause many headaches for other teams.

Ulverstone will be strengthened by the recruitment of James Clement and have a team that will push for a top four finish. Devonport will have a young squad and will rely on the leadership and experience of Matty Zerna to lead the team.

Games for tonight are:

Devonport v Ulverstone
Burnie v Smithton
Latrobe v Somerset
Wynyard v Penguin