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Sharks star T-Rob circling NBL1 East title run
Tyler Robertson has transformed the Sutherland Sharks into one of the NBL1 East's hottest teams, leading them into the finals on a nine-game winning streak. Photo: @rexbergas_
Podcasts
NBL1 East finals set as East Got Game identifies biggest storylines
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The 2026 NBL1 East finals tip off this weekend with eight teams in both the men's and women's competitions chasing a place in the semi-finals, and the latest episode of East Got Game has broken down every matchup.
What we're talking about this week
Sutherland Sharks arrive as the league's hottest men's team
The Sharks take a nine-game winning streak into Saturday night's qualifying final against Norths Bears at North Sydney Indoor Sports Centre.
The hosts believe Tyler Robertson has transformed Sutherland into a genuine championship contender, pointing to the Sharks' remarkable 11-1 record since his arrival.
They discuss:
- Nine straight wins entering finals
- Harrison Reiner emerging as a key X-factor
- Why North can't expect Sutherland to shoot as poorly as last week
- Why Sutherland must clean up its turnover count
Qualifying Final
- Norths Bears vs Sutherland Sharks
- Saturday, July 25: 7pm AEST
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Canberra and Maitland renew one of the East's fiercest rivalries
Saturday night's elimination final between the Canberra Gunners and Maitland Mustangs is the men's matchup the hosts most want to watch.
Their previous meeting was decided by James Toohey's buzzer-beating three, and this time the loser is eliminated.
Elimination Final
- Canberra Gunners vs Maitland Mustangs
- Saturday, July 25: 7.30pm AEST
Illawarra and Manly meet again with a week off on the line
Minor premiers Illawarra Hawks host Manly Warringah Sea Eagles after Manly handed the Hawks one of their four regular-season defeats.
The hosts highlight the expected battles between Todd Blanchfield and Quinn Slazinski, plus Isaiah Lee's likely defensive assignment on Matt Mims.
Qualifying Final
- Illawarra Hawks vs Manly Warringah Sea Eagles
- Saturday, July 25: 7pm AEST
CoE and Central Coast battle in sudden death
The Centre of Excellence hosts the Central Coast Crusaders in an elimination final after splitting their two regular-season meetings.
The podcast examines whether the CoE's returning World Cup representatives or the Crusaders' experienced core can survive and advance.
Elimination Final
- Centre of Excellence vs Central Coast Crusaders
- Saturday, July 25: 4pm AEST
Can North complete perfection?
The undefeated Norths Bears begin their women's finals campaign against the Centre of Excellence, the same club that knocked them out of last year's finals.
The hosts discuss:
- Jazz Shelley's dominant season
- The return of the Sapphires from the Under-17 World Cup
- Whether CoE can repeat last year's upset
Qualifying Final
- Norths Bears vs Centre of Excellence
- Saturday, July 25: 5pm AEST
Manly and Bankstown split the season series
The Manly Warringah Sea Eagles and Bankstown Bruins each recorded a dominant win over the other during the regular season, setting up one of the most intriguing qualifying finals.
The podcast also discusses whether Josie Redan's hand injury could influence the result.
Qualifying Final
- Manly Warringah Sea Eagles vs Bankstown Bruins
- Saturday, July 25: 6.30pm AEST
Newcastle faces dangerous Hills challenge
The hosts believe the Hills Hornets are peaking at the right time, but standing in their way is a Newcastle Falcons side enjoying home-court advantage.
They expect the defensive matchups involving Nicole Munger, Jade Kirisome, Meg Jefferson and Brooke Bjelko to decide the contest.
Elimination Final
- Newcastle Falcons vs Hills Hornets
- Saturday, July 25: 6pm AEST
Bandits look to continue their title charge
The Albury-Wodonga Bandits begin their finals campaign against the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Spiders, with the hosts praising the Bandits' depth while noting Hornsby enters the finals playing with nothing to lose.
Elimination Final
- Albury-Wodonga Bandits vs Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Spiders
- Saturday, July 25: 5.30pm AEST
Browse all episodes of East Got Game
Jacinta Govind
Jacinta is a former pro-baller hustling to promote women's basketball and the NBL1 East. She is the co-creator, co-host and producer of East Got Game and the creator of Front Row Hustle podcast. Jacinta is also a leading female colour commentator in NBL1 having commentated NBL1 East, NBL1 North, was selected to commentate at three of the four NBL1 National Championships and has commentated the FIBA U17 and U19 World Cups for the last 3 years.
Jacinta aims to integrate her playing experience and inquisitive nature to peel back the layers of stats, athletes, coaches and associations to provide insightful content that showcases local talent and resonates with wider audiences.
Lachy France
A devotee of both NSW basketball and women’s basketball in general, Lachy France cut his teeth reporting on Aussies in college before covering the women’s game at every level from Waratah Youth League to World Cups. Now a play-by-play commentator for Sutherland Sharks and Sydney Comets, Lachy will take any chance to remind you, “Don’t sleep on the East!”
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