25 March 2026
Norths Bears will open their 2026 NBL1 East campaign in Newcastle this weekend, entering the season with what the club is positioning as two of the stronger rosters across the men’s and women’s competitions following an active off-season.
The women’s side, coming off a preliminary final loss last season, retained key Sydney Flames players Issy Morgan and Caitlin Martin, while head coach Renee Garlepp has taken on an expanded role after being appointed head coach of the Flames, marking her first Women’s National Basketball League head coaching position.
Norths added further experience with the signing of Australian representative and 2026 NBL1 South MVP Jaz Shelley. Shelley brings international and elite-level experience, including previous WNBA drafting and junior and senior national team representation. The club also recruited Jasmine Simmons, a former Australian under-17 teammate of Shelley who has also played in the AFLW.
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American import Talya Brugler will complete the core starting group. Brugler has been playing professionally in Europe and previously starred at Saint Joseph’s University, finishing her college career third on the program’s all-time scoring list. The roster is supplemented by emerging Norths players including Peggy Schell, Olivia Hastings and Emma and Rebecca Donnelly.
On the men’s side, Norths has secured the return of former junior and National Basketball League player Fabijan Krslovic. Krslovic has played 234 NBL games and was part of the Tasmania JackJumpers’ 2024 championship-winning squad. He previously played for Norths at junior level and was a member of the club’s 2014 Waratah League championship team before departing for US college basketball.
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Krslovic will combine in the frontcourt with Sydney Kings player Hunter Goodrick, who is currently involved in the NBL Grand Final series. Goodrick was named in the NBL1 East ‘Star 5’ last season after helping guide Norths back to the finals.
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Lachie Bofinger, who returned to the club following four years in US college basketball, is also expected to play a significant role, alongside fellow returnee Hunter Madden, another Norths junior who has completed a US college stint.
The likely starting group is expected to be rounded out by former NBL development player Iggy Mitchell, with Matthew Wacher, Mikey Yoong, Robbie Moore, Jake Weinstein, Ben Gill and Lewis Holey also returning. Bailey Hanson and Bol Diing, both products of Basketball Australia’s Centre of Excellence, have also been included in the squad.
Norths indicated that 11 members of the 15-man men’s roster are club-developed players, underscoring the program’s junior pathway.
Both teams are expected to be competitive in their respective competitions. Norths will host Bankstown in their first home fixture on 11 April.