Opals exhibition team announced

The Opals have locked in their squad ahead of a major exhibition series against long-time rivals, China.

On July 7 and 9 at John Cain Arena, a collection of WNBL stars will take on the Chinese National Team in a warm-up series leading into Berlin’s FIBA Women’s World Cup in September. 

WNBL Finals MVP Courtney Woods leads the charge, fresh off a sweep of the Perth Lynx for her second Championship - joined by Townsville Fire teammates Abbey Ellis, Alex Fowler and Alicia Froling. 

Olympians Cayla George, Amy Atwell and Ally Wilson add their size and shooting to the lineup, while rising stars and Victorian juniors Bonnie Deas and Sitaya Fagan will get to show glimpses of their potential. 

Tasmania Jewels Darcee Garbin and Steph Reid also join the group, keeping them ready for WNBL27 to bring their Opals culture and DNA into the debuting franchise. 

With a long history against China, in multiple tournaments across the Asia Cups, the Olympics and a particularly painful 59-61 loss in the Semi Final of the last World Cup, this exhibition will only strengthen the rivalry between the two nations. 

See the full squad below.

Zitina Aokuso (Adelaide Lightning)

Amy Atwell (UC Capitals)* 

Chloe Bibby 

Isabelle Bourne (Sydney Flames)*

Bonnie Deas

Abbey Ellis (Townsville Fire) 

Sitaya Fagan

Alex Fowler (Townsville Fire) 

Alicia Froling (Townsville Fire) 

Darcee Garbin (Tasmania Jewels)*

Cayla George (Southside Melbourne Flyers)

Steph Reid (Tasmania Jewels)*

Maddy Rocci (Geelong Venom)

Ally Wilson (Sydney Flames)

Courtney Woods (Townsville Fire)

*Subject to league approval

Broadcast information is still to be announced, with tickets available via Ticketek. 

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