Fixture conflicts between Launceston Tornadoes and new Tasmanian club Southern Huskies have forced both parties to confront concerns over divided fan loyalties.
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The release of rosters for both the new elite Victorian competition and the New Zealand NBL twice had the women’s and men’s sides playing in Launceston on the same nights.
The Tornadoes take on Albury-Wodonga at Elphin Sports Centre on May 18 while the Huskies host Nelson Giants at the Silverdome.
A further complication on June 29 sees the Tornadoes headline a double-header with North West Thunder against Melbourne Tigers at Elphin just as the Huskies do battle with Taranaki Mountainairs.
Two potential solutions being looked at are shifting Huskies games to Sundays or playing Saturday double-headers involving both sides at the Silverdome.
Tornadoes general manager Corey Ackerly admitted to the oversight after firm promises from the Huskies not to encroach on the Torns.
“As the draw hasn’t been released, the Huskies wouldn’t have known that,” he said.
“They could have come to us first, said when are your home games and we could have told them.”
The Huskies formed with a long-term plan to enter the NBL, but applied for a place in the New Zealand NBL for the next five years.
Following the demise of the Hobart Chargers after a falling out with Basketball Tasmania over entry to play in Victoria, the Huskies added a Hobart feeder side that included a women’s team.
The late inclusion of the Hobart sides made a priority not to conflict their Huskies games first.
But Huskies general manager Andy Hollands conceded Launceston attendances would suffer should rival sides play on the same night.
Hollands confirmed that discussions with Basketball Tasmania and the Torns were ongoing to find a satisfactory resolution to all parties.
“We are putting up all available options,” he said.
“Anything we can do to help we’re trying.
“The double-headers are definitely something we have spoken about.
“But we can’t move any of our games – that’s completely off the table.”
The two conflicting dates won’t be swapped between Launceston and Hobart as all eight New Zealand clubs are already locked in to visit either one of the two cities.
Five of the nine Huskies home matches are set to be played in Launceston.
The Tasmanians’ debut at the Silverdome will be against reigning NZNBL champions Southland Sharks.
Andrew Mathieson
The day I realised I wasn't good enough to play for St Kilda or be the No.1 spinner for Australia was when I realised journalism was the closest I could come to follow my passion for sport. And it's not just about the scores for me. It's the back story behind the game.
The day I realised I wasn't good enough to play for St Kilda or be the No.1 spinner for Australia was when I realised journalism was the closest I could come to follow my passion for sport. And it's not just about the scores for me. It's the back story behind the game.
