The Canberra Gunners and Nationals’ NBL1 East campaigns begin this weekend, with excitement and expectations already high around both groups

It’s been more than six months since both teams shot a ball in anger, but the Canberra Gunners and Nationals finally take to the court again this weekend to kick off their NBL1 East seasons.

Canberra’s teams are on the road to Manly-Warringah for Round 1, with the Nationals beginning the Northern Beaches Sport Centre double-header at 3pm on Saturday against the 2025 NBL1 East Champion Sea Eagles, and with returning Nationals Head Coach Nat Hurst having built a strong squad of NBL1 experience and exciting young talent from the BACT pathways.

The reigning NBL1 East & National Champion Gunners follow at 5pm, with much of last year’s double title-winning squad remaining in place, plus a first look at exciting new import player, Darnell Hoskins Jnr.

Nationals forward Carlie McAlister is fit and firing again after missing last year’s finals series, and says she’s excited to see the new squad coming together so well already.

“It’s a different look to last year, we’re much taller which will be exciting and a lot of new local talent which is really cool,” Carlie explained in the lead-up this week.

“We have Caitlyn Jones coming from Albury, she’s going to really boost the team. She’s a point guard which will be awesome to have her, and then we also have an import in Allison Day and also Skye Rees who’s come down from Mackay, so some really good talent here.

“I think we’re working really well as a team and having Nat Hurst as our coach has been an awesome addition. It’s just so good to learn from her and keeping Sarah McAppion in here as well, we’ve been learning heaps in the pre-season and we’re just ready to start playing.

“Nat just brings so much experience, even for me, like I’ve played for a while now but just to learn from her has been awesome and we have some amazing local young talent coming through, so I think it’s really exciting for them to be able to learn from someone like Nat Hurst.”

Gunners forward Angus Byatt was part of last season’s East-National title double, and says after the highs of last season, and enjoying so much success in front of friends and family and big home crowds, there’s new levels of anticipation in 2026.

“Last season meant so much to everyone because everyone’s mostly homegrown talent,” he said this week. “Representing Canberra and especially the National Finals being in Canberra was pretty special.”

“We always back ourselves, but we know that the league’s getting stronger all over the country. So, we just look to work on things we can control and see how that goes for us during the year.

“Darnell is an elite shooter and a really good leader on and off the court. He’ll bring a good scoring threat, good leadership and he just fits in with our culture.

“It was great to get on the road for a pre-season game last weekend, that helped us get the routines down, being on the road. So hopefully that’ll help us out.

“We’re still gelling together as a sort of new group, dusting off the cobwebs, and seeing how it all works together.”

An early season road trip for our teams, a chance to come together as a squad, and ideally, start the season in the best possible fashion.

“You can’t win them all if you don’t win the first,” Angus said. And he makes a very strong point!

  • The Gunners & Nationals’ first home games complete a massive day of Canberra Basketball on Saturday, 11 April. See SIX games across to the day at Southern Cross Basketball Stadium in Tuggeranong, with both our Youth League teams, both our Academy teams, and both NBL1 teams in action. Get your tickets now and skip the queue!
  • The best way to show your supports is to secure a Canberra Gunners & Nationals membership! There’s never been a better time to Back the Blue, and be part of the journey as we defend a National title!
  • And don’t forget to download the official Basketball ACT app – everything you need to support the Gunners & Nationals through the 2026 NBL1 East season, as well as great resources for the basketball community, including coaching tips and essential information on refereeing and match officials. Find it at the App Store and Google Play.