Canberra Nationals add Caity Jones ahead of NBL1 East campaign

The Canberra Nationals have secured Caity Jones, who finished third in last season's NBL1 East MVP voting, as the centrepiece of their 2026 roster.

The addition comes after the side ended a long finals absence in 2025, giving supporters in the capital a fresh reason to track results and plan attendance at home matches this year.

Roster changes that shape the season

Jones joins Callie Bourne and Carlie McAlister to create a core group expected to handle much of the scoring and playmaking load. Two experienced additions, Allison Day and Skye Rees, have also been secured, while Zara Funnell returns after time at the Centre of Excellence. Veterans Jaz Boutzos and Elise Finney remain on the list, providing continuity around the new faces.

Nat Hurst takes charge for the first time and has spoken in team previews about filling previous gaps at the point guard position. The men's program captured a national title at home last year, and the women's group now aims to match that level of success on the court.

What supporters need to know to follow the team

Matches will be played across the NBL1 East schedule, with the Nationals hosting several games in Canberra. Fans new to the competition can start by checking fixture releases through the league's official channels and the club's local updates to identify home dates and ticket options. Arriving early at venues allows time to learn player numbers and typical line-ups before tip-off.

Following the side also means watching how the Big Three combination develops game by game, especially Jones's ability to set up teammates after her standout season elsewhere. Supporters can track individual performances through post-match reports and social updates from the club to stay informed without needing prior detailed knowledge of the league.

The source for these roster details is the season preview video uploaded by Waratah on VCR on 27 March 2026. Local residents interested in attending can monitor announcements for the first home fixture and consider season passes if offered, giving regular access to the full campaign as it unfolds.