NBL26 ROUND 1: Tasmania JackJumpers v Melbourne United

GAME DAY PREVIEW

Tasmania JackJumpers v Melbourne United

7.30pm AEST, Thursday 18 September

MyState Bank Arena

Marinus Link Bass Strait Battle 

Hungry Jack's Rookie Round 

NBL26 is finally upon us. After the longest off season in club history, the JackJumpers open the 2025/25 Hungry Jack’s NBL season in style with a home floor spectacle against rivals Melbourne United – the Marinus Link Bass Strait Battle.

A new season brings a new look JackJumpers side with imports Bryce Hamilton, David Johnson and Tyger Campbell as well as new Australian players Ben Ayre, Nick Marshall, Josh Bannan and Kobe Williamson joining the JackJumpers in the off season.

Captain Will Magnay and Vice-Captain Anthony Drmic return to lead the team this season, along with returning faces Majok Deng, Nick Stoddart (elevated to the main roster), Body Nunn (DP), Archie Woodhill (DP) and Sean Macdonald (injured) making up the 14-man squad.

Tasmania heads into this match in good shape; confidence high, bench showing depth, and contributions from both veterans and newer/import players.

Some familiar faces will once again grace the MyState Bank Arena floor, albeit in different colours, which will prove slightly troubling for some JackJumpers fans. NBL24 Champions Milton Doyle, Fabijan Krslovic and Assistant Coach Jack Fleming return to Tasmania, this time with Melbourne United. Doyle will be a high priority on the JackJumpers scout, with Scott Roth and the coaching team well aware of his scoring ability and vision, especially in the pick and roll, this time teaming up with United big man Jesse Edwards.

Melbourne United’s pre‑season indicators show they are keeping strong, but some roster changes and a limited pre-season together might impact early chemistry.

RECENT FORM

NBL26 Blitz in Canberra;

Tasmania edged out the Cairns Taipans 97‑95 in overtime. Bryce Hamilton, Josh Bannan, and Campbell were among the strong contributors.

Tasmania also held out the Adelaide 36ers 97‑95 in a thriller at the Blitz. Will Magnay, David Johnson, and Josh Bannan did a lot of heavy lifting.

Melbourne United lost to Perth Wildcats 84-78 with Doyle, Edwards and Delany all hitting double figures.

United then dominated the Bullets to win by 38 points with Tyson Walker (18 points), plus Edwards and Delany all impressive.

INJURIES

Melbourne United:

OUT Chris Goulding (quad)

IN Tom Koppens 

Tasmania JackJumpers:

OUT Sean Macdonald (Knee), Archie Woodhill (foot)  

IN Anthony Drmic (nose), Kobe Williamson (foot)

TICKETING INFORMATION

Members seated in the lower bowl of MyState Bank Arena may notice changes to the seat numbering on the bays along the ends of the court. If you have sat in these seats in previous seasons, the seating is the same, however the number may have changed from your previous number. Please double check the seat and row number on your ticket and following the signage.

CONCOURSE INFORMATION

Head to the MyState Bank Arena concourse from 5.30pm to enjoy activities and give aways from the JackJumpers and our commercial partners.

Our pre-game activities will include;

• Match day partner Marinus Link with giveaways
• NBL Hungry Jack’s NBL Rookie Round cards
• St Lukes Photobooth and make your personalised trading
• Shoot hoops at the Hoops JackJumpers Trailer
• WNBL ‘Name our Team’ activation
• Facepainting
• DJ Hugo with his Offyatrolleydisco
• Meet Jack the Jumper and Wally the Warehouse mascots
• Product samples from Chemist Warehouse
• JMC cars on display
• Tyrepower clappers