PS4 NPL Tasmania Round 1 Preview

An absolute blockbuster to kick off the PlayStation 4 NPL Tasmania 2016 Season as the top two sides of 2015 clash in what is sure to be intriguing affair at KGV.

Olympia v South Hobart – Friday 8PM @ KGV

South Hobart may have been crowned Summer Cup champions but they find themselves in the unfamiliar position of heading into the season without the favouritism tag; that label passing to their opponents in Olympia, something manager Ken Morton was keen to point out in his pre-game comments, declaring ” With a much improved squad, with a new import Drake, and Hoy returning for another season, along with three quality signings from Bayswater in Perth, we are up against the favourites to win the championship.”

The Warriors were certainly not going to rest on their laurels following their breakthrough title last season and have been the talk of the town after that series of eye catching signings over the offseason. 

 

Kingborough Lions v Launceston City – Saturday 12PM @ KGV

Following Friday night’s blockbuster we have a super Saturday of action, with a triple header at KGV which begins with an interesting duel between the Kingborough Lions and Launceston City. There was not much between both of these sides in 2015 and on paper both appear to have strengthened their squads heading into 2016, with both targeting a top 4 finish this season.

 

Clarence v Devonport – Saturday 2PM @ KGV

If everyone is tipping you as a dark horse, does that therefore strip you of dark horse status? Because if every man and his dog is claiming this team can surprise people and be a top side, then surely it’s no longer a surprise if they do just that? Well that’s the scenario facing the Devonport Strikers who have become somewhat of a fashionable pre-season tip to be the big risers of the 2016 season. 

 

Hobart Zebras v Northern Rangers

While all the talk has been on Olympia, Hobart Zebras have quietly gone about assembling a very strong roster ready for an assault on the 2016 title. Last year was viewed as a season of missed opportunities for the Zebras and nothing less than silverware will suffice this season according to Chris Hey.

“Looking forward to it, I think it is going to be another fantastic season I think we can win the league. It’s a massive year for the club. When we get everyone on board, there will be no excuses for us not being in the hunt for silverware.”

 

CLICK HERE for a full preview of all four of the Round 1 matches.