RECENTLY, the National Basketball League (NBL)1 announced the introduction of a league based on the eastern seaboard, as they expanded their work across Australia. With the Australian basketball system producing more talent than ever, it was a justified move, as the eastern league joins the NBL1 North, NBL1 South, NBL1 Central and NBL1 West as the competitions spread out across Australia.

The league will be made up of 12 teams from the eastern shores of Australia, with many coming from the Waratah 1 competition. The NBL1 has shown this competition allows teams to take their respective games to the next level, and the teams entering NBL1 East will be looking to do the same. In this series, we introduce you to the 12 sides who will be taking the court in the league’s inaugural season in 2022. Next up on the agenda are Newcastle Basketball.

Newcastle are the premier basketball side in the city, with the organization hosting programs in senior and junior fixtures. Their senior program peaks at the club’s men’s and women’s Waratah League sides, who will be gearing up for their debut seasons in the NBL1 East, following a shortened 2021 season.

Newcastle entered the men’s Waratah League as the Hunters, back during the competition’s inception in 2001, and struggled to find any success in their early years. These seasons were dominated by the Sydney Comets and the Sutherland Sharks, but Newcastle were frequently competitive during this time.

Seasons such as 2004 saw the side fall agonizingly short of their first championship, with the side finishing as runners-up after a grand final loss. Despite setbacks, the side was continued to compete and improve during this time as they resumed their quest for a maiden title.

Following a 17-year wait, the Hunters claimed their first men’s championship in 2018, as the side finally quenched their thirst for success. Following a regular season that saw them lose just three of their 20 games, the side advanced through the finals and claimed a six-point triumph in the big dance over the Norths Bears.

With NBL1 East providing a new opportunity, the side will be looking to return to their successful ways when the competition kicks off next year.

The club’s women’s side have also experienced a similar level of success, with the team claiming the organization’s first ever championship. The Hunters claimed the 2016 Waratah League Women’s title, as they snatched a five-point victory over the Illawarra Hawks.

The side looked determined to repeat this effort during the 2021 season, and were awarded joint champions when the season was cancelled due to the imposed restrictions. They will be hoping to carry this momentum into their first season in the NBL1 East.