The Torns’ head coach, Reece Potter, said the team had been working hard in practice learning their offensive and defensive style of play and were chasing a first-up win against the Sabres.

‘‘This round is a bit of an unknown for our team but we hope to get off to a winning start and I’m quietly confident we will get it done,’’ Potter said.

‘‘Even with practice match victories over the state under-18s and an under-strength Hobart, we have only just assembled our whole group with Mikaela Ruef arriving from the US as our last recruit.

‘‘It’s been great to have the group together for the past two weeks to help us prepare for this game.

‘‘We don’t know exactly where we are at because we haven’t played a proper game yet, but I think we are going to be pretty good and competitive from the start and put together a good show each week.’’

Potter said Sandringham would be a tough opponent, having recently signed Australian Opals star Alice Kunek, which added to their good balance of youth and experienced players.

‘‘They are a talented team but we will be looking to control the game at both the offensive and defensive ends, keeping the game on our terms and taking advantage of the fact that Sandringham will have played the night before against Hobart,’’ he said.

‘‘I’m sure our team will put forward a great effort that everyone can be proud of, and hopefully we can come away with that first win –  one of many we hope to get at home this season.’’

COURT FACTS

WHO: Launceston Tornadoes v Sandringham.

WHAT: SEABL round 1.

WHEN: Tonight, 6.30 tip-off.

WHERE: Elphin Stadium.