Bairstow lifts Brisbane as Sunshine Coast sets pace

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Kai Woodfall, Jarred Bairstow and Brisbane won in overtime, while Sunshine Coast sets the pace as the 2026 NBL1 North men’s season opens with early separation.

Round 1 delivered points across the league, with five teams scoring 100+.

But beyond the scoring, two things stood out:

• who can close games under pressure
• who can control games from the start

Brisbane handles the first real test

Brisbane Capitals 113 def. Southern Districts Spartans 107 (OT) – Watch the Replay

Brisbane closed in overtime after a game that stayed tight across four quarters.

Southern Districts led early, but Brisbane stayed within reach and finished with a 20–13 overtime period.

Kai Woodfall led with 33 points, hitting nine threes and spacing the floor late.

Inside, Jarred Bairstow controlled the game with 15 points, 19 rebounds and eight assists, while Geordan Papacostas added 17 points and 10 boards.

Brisbane finished with 61 rebounds and 24 assists, creating extra possessions and controlling key moments.

Southern Districts had production through Tamuri Wigness (33 points, 10 assists), but couldn’t close.

Brisbane handled the key moments — that’s the difference in tight games.

Sunshine Coast sets the early benchmark

Sunshine Coast Phoenix 102 def. North Gold Coast Seahawks 72 – Watch the Replay

Sunshine Coast controlled the game across all four quarters, building separation early and maintaining it.

They scored 23, 28, 23 and 28, never allowing the margin to close.

The balance stood out. Nelson Kahler led with 18 points, while Luke Anderson added 15 points and 10 rebounds.

Five players scored in double figures as Sunshine Coast shot 49.3% and forced 22 turnovers.

North Gold Coast shot 34.2% and struggled to generate consistent offence.

Sunshine Coast didn't just win — it controlled the games

The early ladder – one team stands out

Sunshine Coast is the only team at 2–0.

Five teams sit at 1–0, but with just one game, the sample is still limited.

Right now, Sunshine Coast is the only team with both results and rhythm.

What the round told us

• Brisbane can win tight games
• Sunshine Coast can control games
• Multiple teams can score — but not all can sustain it
• The ladder is open, but structure is forming

Round 2 Watchlist – North Men – Game of the Round

Logan Thunder vs Brisbane Capitals

Brisbane coming off an OT win
Logan coming off a 106-point game

This is the first test of Brisbane’s consistency.

Reset game

Rockhampton Rockets vs Southern Districts Spartans

Both teams need direction early

Round 2 Questions

• Can Brisbane back up an overtime win?
• Is Sunshine Coast the clear early leader?
• Which 1–0 team proves it again?
• Who stabilises after Round 1 losses?