KEY POINTS:
It may not be the ideal start coach Leigh Gooding was looking forward to with injuries in the squad and late comers, but the Christchurch Sirens hope to raise a few eyebrows in the Australian women's basketball league.
The Sirens make their debut in the league at home tomorrow against Townsville and Gooding will go with what he already has.
Tall Fern Donna Wilkins was expected to arrive just before the game from a honeymoon in Europe and American import Lamisha Augustine was expected today.
Then there are injuries to Charmian Purcell (knee) and Noni Wharemate (back). Both are not expected to return to full action for six to eight weeks.
Wilkins and Augustine, 25, could come off the bench tomorrow.
Two promising Canterbury teenagers Georgina Richards and Natalie Moore have been included in the 12 for their inaugural match.
The pair will play in the absence of Purcell, who had a knee surgery, and Wharemate, who was diagnosed with a prolapsed disc in her back.
The other Sirens import, the 1.67m tall, 22-year-old Ashley Awkward has settled well in her new club.
She has impressive credentials, having been a member of the successful University of Mississippi team that last season reached the top eight of the NCAA championship before being beaten by eventual winners Tennessee, from where she hails.
The league will see two new clubs this season, the other being Bendigo.
The women's game in Australia is enjoying solid growth, powered by the success of Lauren Jackson, Penny Taylor and the world champion Opals.
It is the first time since Townsville joined the league in 2001 the WNBL has been expanded.
"To have a team out of Bendigo, who I think will add a lot of quality to the league, and also a team out of New Zealand is extremely positive," the league's general manager Lorraine Landon said.
"Both teams underwent quite an involved process to admit them into the league (and) we've got Logan coming in 2008-09, so it's an exciting time."
Apart from their world championship win in Brazil last year, Australians had a major impact in the American WNBA, with Jackson winning a second MVP award and Taylor a championship with the Phoenix Mercury alongside compatriot Belinda Snell.
Basketball Australia is now trying to convince some leading players to remain at home next year to give the Opals the best chance of an Olympic gold medal in Beijing.
But the league will already boast some top talent this season, led by returning Adelaide point guard Erin Phillips, who is on the comeback trail from knee surgery.
Adelaide are the overwhelming title favourites, also boasting highly rated youngster Renae Camino, two-time Olympian Jenny Whittle and New Zealand international Angela Marino.
Defending champions Canberra and last year's losing grand finalist Sydney are also among the championship favourites.
Sirens squad:
Kate McMeeken-Ruscoe (captain), Ashley Awkward, Lamisha Augustine, Natalie Purcell, Toni Edmondson, Aneka Kerr, Lisa Wallbutton, Suzie Bates, Donna Wilkins, Karelene Kingi, Georgina Richards, Natalie Moore.
- NZPA
