I have my tickets to the opening 2 x nights and taking all my kids up from Melbourne. I'd stay the entire event but work will not allow it :(

Yeah we can't get up until the weekend because of work and my wife's uni but then we're there the whole week.

For older kids its probably ok, but for a 2 year old, even a 6pm game is late unless you want giant tantrums. 8.30 is just no chance.

Prepare to be disappointed when you see the opals get knocked out in the pool games.

My flight out is during the Gold Medal game so....I don't have high expectations

and the U14 championships at the same time - how awesome for the kids to see some games - a once in a lifetime opportunity this year !

Latest Opals Squad

Basketball Australia Women's World Cup Opals Squad 2022

Rebecca Allen New York Liberty *
Zitina Aokuso Townsville Fire
Sara Blicavs Southside Flyers
Rebecca Cole Southside Flyers
Keely Froling Sydney Uni Flames
Darcee Garbin Perth Lynx
Cayla George Melbourne Boomers
Shyla Heal Sydney Uni Flames
Ezi Magbegor Melbourne Boomers/Seattle Storm*
Tess Madgen Melbourne Boomers
Anneli Maley Bendigo Spirit/ Chicago Sky*
Jade Melbourne UC Capitals/ Seattle Storm*
Lauren Nicholson Townsville Fire
Stephanie Reid Townville Fire
Maddison Rocci Southside Flyers
Alanna Smith Adelaide Lightning/Indiana Fever*
Lauren Scherf Perth Lynx
Stephanie Talbot Adelaide Lightning/Seattle Storm*
Marianna Tolo Basket Landes**
Kristy Wallace Southside Flyers/Atlanta Dream*
Sami Whitcomb Perth Lynx/New York Liberty *

Interestingly if you visit the Sydney Flames website to see the announcement (which highlights Froling and Heal of course) the list is in alphabetical order of surname EXCEPT Maley, who is shuffled to the bottom. Both sites contain the same asterisks and explanations of what those asterisks mean so if Sydney just copied/pasted the BA release, how/why did Maley end up at the bottom? on the Sydney site?

Hey - I'm flying to Sydney from Country Vic for the sole purpose of watching as many games as humanly possible over the 10 days of competition. I think I counted that I have tickets to see 28 games!
I’m nervous for the Opals but am super excited to see USA, Belgium, France, China and Canada play in particular.
Good to see Maley in the mix from today’s announcement. Selections will be interesting.

I'm probably going to go the Opals game on Sunday the 25th and then the day session on Tuesday to see the US play (and crossing my fingers that the TBD team is Brazil). After that if we make the quarters I'll probably go to that Opals game.

#501 probably because Maley didn't want to play under heal.

Playing japan... without changes we are going to get beaten badly by them once again.
Not enough ball handlers in the backcourt.

Lavey should be a pg and not even on the list.

Yeah Slug pretty common knowledge. I was just being a little disingenuous with my "bewilderment". Pretty petty effort though.

TSE are such a garbage ownership group and this is yet another example of their pettiness. Thanks for pointing it out Dog 55.

Games VS Japan should be interesting . Assuming that Whitcomb and Wallace are playing in the WNBA that leaves Heal ,Rocci, Reid and Melbourne as the remaining point guards.

Will also be down Magbegor , Allen and Talbot who are signed to WNBA contracts

Also guessing that Coach and here trusty Assistant will be staying in the States for WNBA.

Series will be not much more than a exhibition.

Whitcomb alone as the ball handler is bad news for Australia.
Against the high press of japan, you really need 3 guards on at all times.


Sandys team likely
Based on favoured so far..

PG Whitcomb-Rocci-Heal
SG Talbot-Madgen
SF Allen-Blicavs
PF Magbegor-Smith-Garbin
C George-Tolo


This team will struggle to make it out of the pool games Imo.


Personally I think heal, Madgen, Blicavs, Garbin aren't suited to international competition.
I’d like to see Lavey, Wallace, Maley in for sure + test Reid, Melbourne, Nicholson, Kunek, Scherf before WC

Those left if wnba players unavailable.

Rocci-Heal-Reid
Madgen-Cole-Melbourne
Blicavs-Nicholson
Garbin-Froling-Maley
George-Scherf-Aokuso

Whoops, no Maley either.

Posting in this thread since it is kinda sorta World Cup prep.

3-game series: Opals vs Japan

Friday 27 May, Quaycentre, 7.30pm
Sunday 29 May, Quaycentre, 3.00pm
Tuesday 31 May, Newcastle Entertainment Centre, 7.30pm

In lieu of an opals thread, there's a few interesting quotes here
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-05-02/why-liz-cambage-never-felt-the-love-playing-for-australia/101030560

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6xuxkfKRJ0&t=30s

I'm always entertained by the... let's call it evolution, of her accent and turn of phrase

Already complaining about the referees being mean to her and suggesting it threatens the integrity/viability of the league, I see.

Her face seems to be evolving too.

Even before she was drafted she knew that LA was the right place for her

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5K-sXqjqmI

Jenna O'Hea on Offsiders this morning

"She turned to them and said 'go back to your third world country' ... and as a result there was a brawl that erupted, and since then you haven't spoken to her"
"That is all 100% correct"

"Will she ever play for Australia again do you think?"
"No."

Saucy...

"Will she ever play for Australia again do you think?"
"No."

We can only hope that's the case.

I'm amazed O'Hea was ever friends with Liz in the first place. Jenna is all class and clearly an all-round good person; Cambage is a nasty nutter.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6xuxkfKRJ0&t=30s

the utter arrogance in attitude and body language, and the ridiculous American accent, she's an absolute joke, we knew she was bad, but this is a whole other level of toxic behaviour.
So so glad she wont ever represent Australia ever again, Jenna Ohea has more class in a discarded clipped finger nail than this ridiculous excuse for an athlete has in her entire body.

@SportAfricaNews

BREAKING!!!

The president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has withdrawn all basketball national teams from taking part in any international competitions for the next two years, due to crisis facing the Nigeria Basketball Federation.
#Nigeria
#FIBA

#ThirdWorldProblems

No big deal for aus opals, mali should be the replacements

Still no news on the Russia replacement?

Still no Russia or Nigeria replacement

Chambers is the HC for japan games in 10 days

Available players

Rocci-Heal-Reid
Madgen-Melbourne-Cole
Blicavs-Nicholson
Garbin-Froling
George-Scherf-Aokuso


Hopefully we might see Kunek or Jackson come in
Lavey and Bishop others not on the list.

Puerto Rico were yesterday named, with very little fanfare, as Russia's replacement.

Nigeria still listed as competing atm.

Likely Mali to come in. A nice young squad with a bright future.

Serbia women u17 in, they were better than Russia anyway, didn't make it because hosts were in the same group.

3-game series: Opals vs Japan

Friday 27 May, Quaycentre, 7.30pm
Sunday 29 May, Quaycentre, 3.00pm
Tuesday 31 May, Newcastle Entertainment Centre, 7.30pm

Puerto Rico is the team added. Damn. Was really hoping it'd be Brazil. Ah well.

Was always goning to come from the same group.
Mali will get in too.

For those who missed it, the Nigerian team is not impressed about the idea of being withdrawn by its own government

Appeal from @DtigressNG
We, as the Women's National Team of Nigeria would like to speak on the government's recently placed two year ban on all Nigerian Basketball International competitions. The D'Tigress team would like to state that we do not agree with this ban.
This ban is taking away all our future competitions, accomplishments and goals to elevate, inspire, and make Nigeria proud!
We would like to be given the opportunity to play for our country that we passionately love to represent in this upcoming @FIBA @FIBAWWC competition.
We have worked very hard to be 3x Afrobasket Champions, Olympians and now we are blessed with another opportunity to continue that representation for Nigeria.
We want Nigerian Basketball to continue to grow and succeed on every level; from the local leagues, grassroots and even on the international stage! We believe that all levels of Nigerian basketball can excel with the proper attention, togetherness, and organization.
Our team is a testament to how successful Nigerian Basketball can be and how we have been an inspiration to all Nigerian athletes across the globe.
We wish to express our gratitude to all the coaches, medical staff, organizers, and fans.
This ban not only penalizes us but you all as well. Your commitment and loyalty to our team will never go unnoticed.
Our goal is to play and represent Nigeria proudly! We, as the Nigerian Women’s National Team plea for the reversal of the International Basketball ban for Nigeria. We hope to be heard! Thank you.
Yours truly,
D'Tigress

Yes a 2 year hiatus could turn into a 4 year.
Would certainly halt Nigerians youth and senior n.t progress.

"Was always goning to come from the same group."

Why? And then why did it take so long to confirm?

Brazil were easily the better side in qualifying and are higher on the FIBA rankings (though just by one spot).

I can see some logic in it, but they're simply rewarded for the luck of being in that group. They were blown out in all 3 games whereas Brazil was competitive in all 3 including to Australia who didnt even need to qualify yet took one of the spots in that group. The whole process is absurd.

It's the right decision by fiba imo, the decisions made mimic every tournament the Russians have been banned from.
You could argue that Spain as the number 2 nation who did not even qualify would be a better opposition than Brazil. Just because Brazil performed better over 3 games doesn’t mean they should earn the right to be at the WC.
Puerto Rico have been apart of the major tournaments in recent years and have competed very well.

Puerto Rico were also in a much tougher group and Brazil lost to Korea, a team that is predicted to finish last at the WC.

Yeah fair call, if the decision is across the board thats the way they'll go, its clean and fair enough.

And yeah, you're right, Brazil definitely messed up not getting that Korea game.

Brazil has a bright future though, lots of quality sfs, pfs, cs coming through. Just need a bunch of guards.

Ah well, I guess I'll take my daughter to one of the US games instead then, Maybe vs Bosnia on the Tuesday.

4 days out from Japan games and still no roster...

everyone that was picked for the squad will play in the series.

the ones that are not Overseas that is !!!!

So no Aokuso from the list or Tolo. The others being wnba players.

still no entry of Kunek and bishop which is a disgrace, especially when they put their hand up.

Tolo only just finished in France

Kunek should be there

No doubt.



The all wnba/euroleague side

TBD - sandy is undecided on backup pgs, clearly.
Whitcomb
Melbourne - sandy would probably never take someone this young.
Wallace - sandy played Wallace least amount of minutes.
Atwell - probably needs to prove herself more.
Talbot
Kunek - not selected in 5 years, no sf needed according to sandy.
Allen
Maley - sandy has left her out of the squad twice in the last year.
Smith - not much play under sandy.
Magbegor
Tolo - sandy still playing Tolo as third string centre.


The best PG of Rocci, Reid, Heal gets the TBD spot.
Lavey appears to have moved on to Afl.

Good summary Weedy

I can understand Kunek missing out when O'Hea, Talbot & Allen are all available.
But when none of them are??

I guess our small forwards for this series are Madgen & Nicholson.

^ Nope, I was wrong.
We picked a small 12 but then started with Madgen at the 2 and Blicavs at the 3.
Guess we're backing size over quickness.

Reid looks like a safer ball handler than heal. No Rocci yet.
Melbourne really breaks down defences with her speed.
Nicholson, Garbin, Blicavs just won't work at the WC.
Both Cole and Madgen shouldn’t be there either but sandy loves Madgen.
Imo with Whitcomb, Wallace, Talbot, Allen + you have to take atleast 2 of Lavey/Reid/heal/Rocci and hopefully Kunek and Maley... + the bigs that pick themselves.

WC locks

Whitcomb
Wallace
Talbot
Allen
Smith
Magbegor
George
Tolo

Fringe - 4 from

Reid
Heal
Rocci
Lavey
Melbourne
Madgen
Kunek
Maley

Melbourne & Blicavs did their chances no harm in that game. Heal struggled to even advance the ball, which is not ideal for a point guard. George & Madgen solid for most of the game but had very little help until the 4th quarter.
Overall not very impressive other than Melbourne putting her hand up. Injuries are never good obviously but possible sliding doors moment for Melbourne with Rocci being hurt vs the time she would have had if healthy.

Cool that Maley will be able to play in games 2 & 3. Respect to her for rushing back for this.

Atm, I'd say

Lavey or Reid
Whitcomb
Melbourne
Wallace
Madgen
Talbot
Allen
Maley or Kunek
Smith
Magbegor
George
Tolo

They had Lavey on out list so maybe she hasn't dissappeRed off opals list.

The day after the game they finally give us a boxscore link

Opals-Japan Game 1 Boxscore

Heal just made too many mistakes, same thing happened at chicago. As soon as pressure is applied she sort of panics, falls over and try's to hoop pass it around the defender or lollypop it over the top. Reid had 1 major one too where she was lazy, took it over the half and reverse dribbled right into a help defender resulting in a layup. Rocci is the quickest out of the the 3 but easily the worst ball handler. Almost more turnovers than assists in the wnbl,
The above are probably ok against many teams but japan, a full strength one would destroy us. Whitcomb + lavey+ cg Melbourne/Wallace may be enough but I still think we need 1 more.
If lavey really has chosen footy, no way Whitcomb can play major minutes with 8 games in 10 days. 3 games and she’s cooked playing 20+ mins.

Read an article suggesting Lauren Jackson is under consideration for a WC spot. It was a teammate saying she'd like to see it. I am not sure whether that means things are happening in the background but I cant imagine a world where LJ doesn't get a camp invite.

last time i saw the Japanese womens national team play their work rate was sensational and their cutting - particularly their back cuts were unbelievable.

The Japanese side last night just had 4 1st team players.

Smith
Magbegor
George
Tolo
Jackson


Would be too many

Rocci in, Froling out (illness) today.
Maley won't suit up until game 3.

Blicavs playing well.

They defend coles right hand and she's been exposed.

Lucky to be up at the half.
I don't know if it was a tactical decision but Japan's D was noticeably less aggressive in the 1st quarter. When they cranked it up in the 2nd we really struggled.

Live stats:
Link

Easily can cut now before anymore friendlies.
Cole
Nicholson
Froling
Garbin
Scherf

Still fighting for a spots.
Rocci/Reid/Heal
Melbourne
Madgen
Maley
Blicavs

WC guarantee.
George


Others outside of this group who deserve a chance.
Current Nbl1 stats

Jackson 32-1-12 east
Kunek 24-4-8 south
Garrick 21-5-5 south
Mangakahia 27-7-5 north
Mansfield 21-7-6 north
+ Lavey

What silly iq play by Rocci.

Yep.

Nicely played by Japan after quarter time.

Please no Rocci for the World cup. At least Heal can provide a spark off the bench.

Atm, I wouldn't go with Heal, Rocci or Reid. This was the #2 Japanese side, only Miyazaki is from #1 side. The other guards from #1 side are motohashi, machida, fujioka, yamamoto etc. Imagine the pressure they would put on the opals...

In the next group of friendlies whilst the wnba players are still overseas.
I say bring in Lavey, give Melbourne a shot at pg and give Mangakahia another go.
Bring in Kunek, jackson, potentially Mansfield and cut those that weren’t up to scratch this tournament.
Cole, Nicholson, Froling, Garbin, Scherf have no chance.
Madgen, Blicavs, Maley still fighting for spots.


Maybe early July

The best pg from this japan series(heal, Reid, Rocci)
+
Lavey
Mangakahia
Mansfield
Melbourne
Madgen
Kunek
Maley
Blicavs
George (captain)
Tolo
Jackson

You seem connected and bitter with an agenda Weedy Slug

Sorry, but I'm none of those.

You got family in the squad, friend perhaps?

I hate women's basketball, that’s funny

Today's game was so frustrating. Neither team shot the ball well. Rocci played awful... I don't understand how she is a stronger prospect than Tessa Lavey right now. Can see the massive hole that Nicole Seekamp's retirement has left in the position. I would like to see Lauren Mansfield get another crack. Shyla turned the ball over too but at least she scored.
Rocci scoring a 2 at the end..... just dumb. The game was on the line and they needed a 3 and they couldn't even get the right shot off. We were sitting near Shane Heal and he was calm the whole game .... until the last play. Then he looked stunned.
I love the Opals but Sandy's coaching is driving me insane watching this team.

Chambers was the coach using sandys playbook.

@weedyslug

Mangakahia was horrendous at the Asia cup. No way she should be near an opals squad.

She wasn't very good at asia cup, I agree.
But she was also unfit, she’d had a year or so away from the game because of breast cancer.
She went to Russia afterwards and got better over the season. Now in nbl1 and playing alongside heal at Northside and playing well, better than heal currently.
Mansfield playing for Gold Coast also playing very good ball.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPTGFmxDyhQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bw0daGRGVMg


Not saying either are the answer but both deserve a shot.

She definitely looks in much better shape and quicker in those highlight videos.

Jade Melbourne has to make this opals world cup squad. None of our other gaurds have any burst of pace.

I can see why Heal got booted from the WNBA, too short and too slow.

We certainly need more athleticism and pace in the squad.
Melbourne would help a lot, chambers doesnt seem to want to play her more than 10 minutes.though.
Didn't play Wallace that much either at Southside and now starting sg in the wnba.

Lavey appears to have chosen footy? This was Rocci & Heal's second go, I think Reid will be more comfortable in her 2nd go. Melbourne has proven she belongs, why not look at some more youth like Loughridge, she’s a legit PG. I’d also like to see Sharp in there, super athlete who can play big or small

I can see why Heal got booted from the WNBA, too short and too slow.

Head Coach - Sandy Brondello
Assistant Coach - Olaf Lange
Assistant Coach - Paul Goriss
Assistant Coach - Cheryl Chambers
Physiotherapist - Gaylene McKay
Trainer - Brent Goriss
Massage Therapist - Katrina Bourke
Head of Delegation - Michele Menso
Head of Team Operations - Trish Dykstra(Fallon)
High Performance Manager - Jan Stirling


Good to see Seebohm and Veal added to the team for the time being, the likely replacements in the future if the above fail in Sydney. A skills trainer would be a good addition to the coaching lineup.

After two trial games this is my guess on the final squad , I think most of them pick themselves and the rest were really just making up the numbers. Still huge concerns around the backup at PG but Whitcomb will probably play 35+ minutes , I think Heal has done enough for that spot (just)

Whitcomb
Heal
Madgen
Wallace
Talbot
Allen
Smith
Maley
Blicavs
magbegor
Tolo
George

Heals only good minutes were at the 2

Pretty spot on cosmo, think maybe only 1 of Blicavs or Maley will be chosen.
Adding another pg, cg.
Wallace and Madgen are really just 2s, be crazy to make them primary ball handlers.

I, like most people need to see more from the pgs. Don't think anyone has cemented a spot.

Have to understand it's potentially 8 games played in 10 days. No player should play more than 30 a game.

Likely Sami will play 20-25, backup 10-15, third pg or cg 5-10. Others if desperate, 5 mins.

Watching game 3 vs Japan B. Really underwhelmed by the Opals, sorry. Getting nervous about our chances in the World Cup.

They seem to be sacrificing speed and athleticism for height and muscle. Some of them seem to be just jogging through their offensive plays. Even the commentator was saying they need to start running. They're combining well, and most are doing ok on defence, but I would expect more energy on offense and commitment on defence from an Opals team.

Maybe the commentators are right - fatigue and nerves are affecting them.


My only certainty for the full Opals squad would be Kayla.

Sandy has always prioritised those traits.

Agree, Weedy. Fingers, toes and eyes crossed that we make it through to even the semifinals.

At least Melbourne and Maley have given me something to be optimistic about, although they might need a new coach to get their chance.

Semi finals?, we will struggle to get out of pool play.
The good thing is these are 2 B+ N.Ts. Not the real deal yet.

since takeover 2017 (Brondello, Chambers, Goriss)

46 games
29 wins- 63%
17 losses- 47%

37%..

Just hand the reigns over to Shannon. At least he is now involved.

The pg spot is wide open. Rocci was OK, but not convincing, Shyla, while OK in the 2 just not up to the primary pg duties under any pressure and Reid/Nicholson not tried there.
Assuming the 7 from OS all play, would think George, Blicavs, Maley, Melbourne and either Madgen or Rocci would come in.
Just hope we get time to prepare some different sets and defensive patterns... can't compete with speed one on one and unless Lavey commits and plays, can’t think of anyone else quick enough….

Pretty clear what sandy will do, same as always. She'll play big n slow. Drain the guards energy with only 1 ball handler on at any one time like the WC qualifiers.
With no Lavey, it’ll be...

PG Whitcomb**-?TBD
SG Talbot-Madgen***-Wallace***
SF Allen-Blicavs****-Maley****
PF Magbegor*****-Smith*****
C George-Tolo

** also sg
*** also pg
**** also pf
***** also c

The tbd will be Rocci or heal, they gave no real time to Reid.

Would not suprise me either if they got rid of 1 of Wallace, Maley or smith to make room for a jackson returning headline.

Just hand the reigns over to Shannon. At least he is now involved.

The pg spot is wide open. Rocci was OK, but not convincing, Shyla, while OK in the 2 just not up to the primary pg duties under any pressure and Reid/Nicholson not tried there.
Assuming the 7 from OS all play, would think George, Blicavs, Maley, Melbourne and either Madgen or Rocci would come in.
Just hope we get time to prepare some different sets and defensive patterns... can't compete with speed one on one and unless Lavey commits and plays, can’t think of anyone else quick enough….

Based on the 3 games against Japan , the Opals biggest challenge is the lack of quality of the guards.

Kristy Wallace is now an almost certainty for the WC given what we just saw vs Japan. Shyla at the 2, yes, but not the 1. Rocci got a lot of airtime vs Japan but IMO did not really grab her opportunity. Shame Reid got little opportunity at the point - that's her natural position after all.

Wallace isn't a point guard, in-fact none they have in the current squad are a true point guard except for Reid, and she struggled big time bringing the ball up with defensive pressure.
Time BA and Brondello started looking at others in the league that play that spot instead of sticking to the ones who get there by name , CEO connections or who their coach is.
Maley was legit in that line up and should be a lock in, and Blicavs earnt a spot too, but Nicholson Cole and Sherf are just out of their depth, Cole seems to have lost her mojo lately, Madgen surprisingly has found hers. Not sure Darbin can find a spot, you have Allen, Talbot, and Whitcomb who would be locks, add in Ezi, George and most likely Tolo, not much room for additions

But the PG spot needs to be opened up, they need to look at what’s going around the NBL1, lots of players miss out of WNBL spot due to imports, and don’t take end of bench roster spots because financially it’s just not viable.
Rocci gets beat on defence all the time, and try’s to take on too many players constantly,Heal is NOT a PG, and apart from her ass shot threes she hits frequently , not much else to her game but her name. Reid way too much dribble. Melbourne is like a fart in a bottle, still plays like under 12s, but boy if she can rein her game in to be more controlled, she’s going to be sooo good , but too young yet.

Just makes no sense though to have a head coach who is never in the country , how can BA and Australia justify the wages paid for an absentee coach

Agree with the lack of depth at the moment and it would be interesting to see whether the Cambage free zone might impact the decisions made by guards recently left the game.... Ebzery and Lavey come to mind. For champs at home, we need to do all we can to get our best on the floor.
Apart from Reid, not sure who else has the foot speed needed…

We should be giving other pgs a shot if there are to be 12 more friendly games before wc.

Lavey, no confirmation she has stepped down from opals.
Mangakahia, has slowly improved her fitness since college after health problems.
Mansfield, probably the truest pg we have in the country atm but lacks pace.
Reid needs more time, got hardly any.

Book some friendlies here at home between now and when they leave for New York in July.
Going to be pricey for BA to pick 16 odd players to,go meet sandy in ny and train, then play friendlies possibly against the USA, Canada.and maybe Puerto Rico or someone else.

Mali officially invited

FIBA was informed about the decision of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to withdraw the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) from all international basketball competitions and activities for a period of two years.
In subsequent communications with the NBBF, and despite FIBA's request, it has become clear that against the circumstances created by the government's decision, the NBBF is unable to confirm its participation in the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022.

Given the multiple strict deadlines that cannot be postponed in order to ensure the successful staging of a major international event (visa procedures, schedules, ticket sales, accommodations, friendly games, preliminary rosters, flight tickets, accreditations, etc.) and to protect the integrity of the competition, the FIBA Executive Committee has decided as follows:

Nigeria's withdrawal from the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022 is confirmedMali, as the next ranked team from Group B of the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022 Qualifying Tournament in Belgrade, is invited to participate in the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022
FIBA will announce whether there will be any other decisions related to the NBBF's participation in other FIBA competitions and any potential disciplinary measures in due course.

Mangakahia surely deserves an invite for the friendly games coming up in July.
Playing very well,j nbl1 north competition atm.
If the turnovers go down, probably worth a look.

Avg

Mangakahia
32-5-6-4

Rocci
27-7-6-3

Reid
24-6-7-1

Heal
21-6-3-2

Mansfield
21-6-7-1

I don't give the Opals much a chance at this World Cup. Woman’s game has expanded around the world. It’s not just the USA and Australia.

Opals group is surely the group of death. Hope they can at least avoid the group stage. Our record against Japan is bad, not sure how will go against France, Canada and Serbia. Mail is the only guaranteed win.

Will be tough just to make 1/4s for sure.
Being humiliated at home should result in a coaching change which would be the only real positive.