Bandits to play first home game in Wodonga in almost a decade

Due to Covid restrictions in NSW and subsequent rules for citizen's of other states to travel north of the border, the Bandits will host two games at the Wodonga Sports and Leisure Centre this weekend, instead of the Albury's Lauren Jackson Sports Centre.

It's a history-making round for the Bandits, who for the first time will host a double-header, with the NBL1 also celebrating Indigenous round.

Both the men and women will meet Diamond Valley Eagles on Friday night, before clashing with the Hobart Chargers on Saturday.

"I think 2012 was the last time we played in Wodonga," Bandits coach Brad Chalmers said.

"I've never had a double-header at home in my time playing and coaching, that's a first.

"The logistics of moving the game in the last couple of days has put a bit of pressure on the club to get it all up and about.

"We won't be at our spiritual home, but we're up for it.

"It's going to be a really different weekend and hopefully we can make the most of it."

The teams will showcase their new jerseys created to recognise the Indigenous round, which falls on NAIDOC week.

"It's exciting to represent that round and Indigenous culture this week," Chalmers said.

"We've had a strong connection to it over the last few years.

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"From my standpoint as a coach, being with Deba (George, former Bandit) for a number of years and understanding a bit more about his culture, you get a better appreciation for the round."

After securing wins during their last two double-headers, the men's side is hoping to continue a late surge this season.

"Winning three of the last four, we're just trying to keep that momentum going and make a pitch for the playoffs," Bandit Sharif Watson said.

"Obviously we didn't have the start to the season we wanted, but we've started to pick it up."

Watson is enjoying his first season with the Bandits in the NBL1 competition.

While he's now used to calling the Lauren Jackson Sports Centre home, he believes the change of venue this weekend won't faze the side.

"It is what it is," he said.

"We're out there to play basketball and it's a court.

"Obviously we'd like to play here if we could, but we hope we can still get people to come out in Wodonga."

The women's side is coming off the back of their second win of the season against Dandenong last weekend.

Both of the women's games will commence at 6pm, while the men will take to the court after for an 8pm start against the Eagles and Chargers.

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