The try-outs will be held from 5pm at Maitland’s Federation Centre.

New head coach Natalie Porter said she wanted to have an open session to gain an indication of the players who were serious about becoming a Mustang in 2011.

“We’ll just have a scrimmage and play some five-on-five games – it won’t be anything too serious,” she said.

“It’s just an opportunity to see the girls’ fitness levels and have a chat about their commitment for next season.”

Porter said the trials were open to any players who could compete at an elite level, including under-18 players and talented under 16s.

She told the Mercury she championed the Mustangs’ return to the Waratah League after a two-year absence to help quality players remain in the Hunter.

“I think its important for any association to have that pathway up to the ABA,” she said.

“The Mustangs have had problems in the past with girls leaving after they reach a certain age.

“But now there will be a direct path up to the best league in the state.”

Porter said she expected to field a squad of mainly Hunter-based players in their first season back in the competition since 2008.

“I followed the men’s team last year when they won the final and it was great that they had such success,” she said.

“The Maitland community always gets behind their teams and I’m sure it’ll be no different when we take the court next year.”

Porter indicated she would not be playing this season but was unsure if the coaching role meant the end of her illustrious playing career.

Anyone interested in attending the session should contact Porter at

natalie@npire.com.au by December 8.

The Mustangs will resume full-time training in late January to prepare for the opening game of the season in March.

Also on Sunday the Federation Centre will host a junior camp for boys and girls aged from under 12s to under 18s. The camp runs from 10am-4pm.

Contact the Maitland Basketball Association on 4934 3503 for more information