CoE set out for vengeance ahead of the NBL1 East season opener

In 2026 the CoE will strive to claim the NBL1 East’s top prize, with both the men’s and women’s season set to begin against Penrith on March 28. 

2025 produced a vastly successful year for both CoE programs, following deep finals runs for the two teams.  

On the men's side the CoE were a top contender, eventually bowing out in the preliminary final after a promising season.  

The women's team managed to take it a step further as they pushed into the grand final. 

Both programs have retained key players from 2025, whilst also acquiring fresh talent to bolster the depth of each team.  

The men's team unveiled four new prospects heading into the season with Isaac Riddle, Yahya Basaran, Curtis Evic and Antonio Browne joining the squad.  

Whilst two women, Eliza Shanahan and Jay Sebasio have joined the CoE. 

Headlining the CoE men’s program is the 7 '6” phenom from Western Australia, Jongkuch Mach, with his captivating height turning heads at the U20 National Championships back in January. 

Mach has already played for the CoE in the past, but now with more experience and size he will be a difference maker set to shake up the NBL1 East competition in 2026. 

Notably across the Women’s program, Isabel Smith is one player to keep an eye on after a dominant 2025 representing the Australian Sapphires at both the U16 Asia Cup and U17 Oceania Cup. 

Smith was pivotal in the Sapphires clean sweep of gold medals across 2025, with a nomination in the FIBA U16 Asia Cup All-Star Five serving as an indicator for the guard’s talent. 

Schedule: 
Access the full CoE NBL1 East Fixture here. 

Broadcast:  

Watch the games via NBL1+ or Kayo Freebies