Tasmania’s three former SEABL clubs are reviewing an invitation to join a winter Victorian-based competition, however, reports suggest the Torns, North-West Thunder and Hobart Chargers are being called on to subsidise the travel of their interstate rivals.

Finlay said on Tuesday that she is confident Launceston would not be financially worse off under any new model.

“No matter what the structure is, we’re still negotiating that right now, the three SEABL clubs in Tasmania are working together and are united in looking after our position in the league,” she said.

“The financial terms of any agreement need to be negotiated or set, however, our investment in SEABL was significant. 

“So we know, [through] the review that we’re doing of our financials right now, we’re unlikely to be in a worse scenario – we will do whatever we need to invest in the best league.

“Whatever that league is called, wherever it’s played we’re going to be there and take it right to the top.”

There is also speculation that the cap on the number of international and national players will be reduced, forcing clubs to rely more heavily on regional talent.

“We have to be really clear about what parameters and structures we’ve got to be able to recruit players into, so we will be working strategically over the next few weeks and hoping to have decisions [made] before Christmas,” Finlay said.

Clubs have until Sunday, October 28, to apply with successful applicants to be unveiled two days later.

Flamboyant American Derrick Washington has been re-appointed Launceston Tornadoes coach with the club hoping to build on this year’s second-place championship finish.

Washington’s contract for next season includes an option of a third year with Torns chairwoman Janie Finlay confident that continuity will breed success.

“It has always been about a long-term plan for stability, the future and having those pathways for our junior players; and we believe Derrick Washington is the person to take us forward,” Finlay said on Tuesday.

“Derrick’s expertise in individual player development has been fantastic for our players.

“We have seen him have an immediate impact with our club; with player development such as Lauren Nicholson being named SEABL MVP, young Ellie Collins recruited to play with WNBL side Perth and some of our juniors playing extended minutes; and the team reaching the championship final for the first time since 2010.”

Known for his passionate court-side antics, Washington, 28, said he is glad to have the deal sorted before he heads home to Dallas for a short break.

He said he would be more prepared for pre-season in January than he was flying into Launceston for the first time not knowing much about the city, club or his squad.

“I knew I wanted to be here from the jump – it’s just a great fit for my future,” Washington said.

“The future looks very bright for our club and I look forward to working with the local players to prepare them for another big season,” he said.

“There is no question that it is an extremely exciting time to be a part of the Tornadoes’ basketball program and I am proud to be a part of it.”

Washington said Launceston did not need to change much in its quest for a drought-breaking title.

“I know what my abilities are for the club, getting players better, making sure they’re in the right positions to be successful on the basketball court and that’s my duty,” Washington said.

“I don’t think we need to change too much.

“We had a great season last year [so it will be about] just sticking to what we know – playing solid defence, making sure we hit shots when we need to and we’ll be fine moving forward.

“Next year is going to be a new season, we’ll have different players but you’ve always got to go out there with that mindset that you want to win the championship.”

The Tornadoes are still working with Basketball Victoria on the details of the new league but it is understood the timing of the new competition will be similar to the SEABL (March to August) and will include many of the same teams that the Tornadoes previously competed against.

Washington said he has not yet begun conversions with marquee players such as captain Lauren Mansfield and Lauren Nicholson for next season.

But he said fellow American Mikaela Ruef is keen to be involved after assisting him on the sidelines while injured in 2018.

The club said it hopes to make player announcements for next season by Christmas.

While you're with us, did you know that you can now sign up to receive breaking news updates direct to your inbox. Sign up here.