Launceston Tornadoes have been unable to match a rival offer to retain hometown favourite Tayla Roberts.
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The Launceston-raised star has signed on with the Dandenong Rangers, the same club Roberts help eliminate from the SEABL finals.
“The Tornadoes were very keen to keep her and we wanted her to play for the Tornadoes again after such a strong 2017 SEABL season,” Tornadoes general manager Corey Ackerley said.
“Unfortunately, Dandenong also wanted her to play with them after playing in the recent WNBL season and we weren’t able to match their offer. And so Tayla decided to sign with them.”
Ackerley is “confident” the Tornadoes can fill the remaining import spots on their roster.
Reigning captain Lauren Mansfield is yet to re-sign amid her current commitments with Polish club MMKS Katarzynki Torun.
“These players are playing overseas and the timing of their arrival is dependent on when their seasons finish due to finals – and when they can get back to Tasmania,” Ackerley said.
The club had battled last year to sign Roberts until filling the spot of Mikaela Ruef, who departed for a crack at WNBA club LA Sparks.
The 25-year-old has just finished her first year in the Rangers’ front court for their WNBL 2017-18 campaign.
“I love the culture of this club and all the people involved, especially [coach] John White, whose advice helped me immensely in the WNBL season,” Roberts said.
“John was definitely a large factor as to why I decided to sign with Dandenong.
“I’m really excited to get the [SEABL] season started and get working on my game with him.”