2021/22 HUNGRY JACK’S NBL SEASON TO TIP OFF FROM NOVEMBER 18

The Tasmania JackJumpers are pleased to have a confirmed date for the start of the 2021/22 Hungry Jack’s NBL season. The League’s 10^th and newest team are excited to begin their inaugural campaign in NBL22, which will start from Thursday November 18. 

Tasmania JackJumpers CEO Simon Brookhouse says the delayed start to the season is a positive for the NBL’s newest franchise. 

“Obviously we’re the only team that hasn’t trained or played together so to get that extra four weeks makes it really good for us to get our team together to bond,” Brookhouse said.

The JackJumpers are working through the logistical challenges of border closures and quarantine requirements for the finalised playing list. 

“We’re struggling with COVID to get players into Tasmania at the moment so it gives us a bit extra time to get the whole team here and get eight weeks training before the season,” Brookhouse said.

The NBL’s decision to delay the start of the season has been made with expert advice and provides fans a much better chance of attending more games in Australia and New Zealand.

“It’s been on the agenda for probably three months, just working with all the states to make sure we can get the season running quickly and efficiently,” Brookhouse said.

“The fixtures not finalised yet. There’s obviously venue availability issues coming at the back end of the season so that is all being worked out. We’re hopeful a fixture will be out in the next four weeks.”

The JackJumpers had requested to start their first season away from home, to allow more time for the redevelopment works at MyState Bank Arena to be completed. Brookhouse says the delayed start to the season could mean the Tasmania JackJumpers play their inaugural game at home. 

“If our first game happens to be here [in Tasmania], I think it’d be great for MyState Bank Arena,” he said.

“With a new team getting on the road to play a few games isn’t a bad thing so they can bond together. I’m a little bit ambivalent on it, I think most importantly we win our first games.”

Redevelopment works at MyState Bank Arena are well underway with the venue set to reopen its doors from early October to host a range of entertainment and sporting events.