Launceston Tornadoes battle Hobart Chargers in NBL1 opening round

The Tornadoes take on Hobart Chargers at Elphin Sports Centre with tip-off at 6.30pm.

"This game is usually the one where the stadium is always packed out," Veale said of the Tassie derby.

"We hope that happens this weekend as well and Hobart will be a very different group to last year, they've got two new US imports and they're talented and been playing in Europe.

"They've also got Sharna Thompson and other young up-and-coming players. We expect a tough battle."

The Chargers' imports are forward/centre Angiee Tompkins and guard/forward Brooke Johnson.

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The Torns have their own stars such as Australian representative Keely Froling and WNBL champion Kelsey Griffin so the game shapes up as a spectacle for fans.

"We've been preparing since October last year," Veale said.

"It's great to have Keely and Kelsey coming back in our group. We won't have our full team this weekend, it is what it is and we'll just see how we go."

Young guns Mikala Bingley, Charli Kay, Emerson Wells and Hope Brooks are unavailable due to state commitments.

"Four of our girls are at under-20 nationals so it gets really tricky when big events like that are scheduled at start of the season," Veale said.

"It happened to us last year and because we have a lot of young players - as we've worked hard on our development program - it always kind of bites a little bit but it's a good problem to have. They're very talented and they're representing Tassie."

Their absence has opened the door for others and Veale said Tori Rouse, who has relocated from Rockhampton, will start this week.

"She moved here to play with Penguin and then asked if she could train with us and she played NBL1 in Rockhampton last season," the coach said.

"It's awesome for us, she's a great pick up.

"She's quite a tall wing so she can shoot the ball and she'll play a really good role, she'll play well with Keely and Kelsey."

Rouse won't be the only player particularly excited for Saturday's game.

"We've got Micah (Simpson), Mariah (Payne) and Kelsey and Keely and there's a spot for Tori and then basically our under 18 development players will have an opportunity to debut for the Tornadoes and get on court and play their role and might play a few minutes," Veale said.

Milly Whitehead, Annaliese Leeflang and Amber Brazendale have just returned from under-18 nationals. Subi Daly is another development player who may see minutes.

Veale noted Macy McCullagh would miss the clash due to being a COVID close contact.

The Tornadoes start their season with a trio of home games. The previous two seasons were cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions.

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