SBS bounces back

SBS is set to increase its national free-to- air coverage of the National Basketball League, making more of the sport accessible to all Australians. After a successful partnership with the NBL in the 2016/17 season, SBS is doubling its coverage, broadcasting two live games from each round in HD across SBS and SBS Viceland, with live streaming and catch up on SBS On Demand. SBS coverage of the NBL begins with the Round One clashes between the Sydney Kings V Adelaide 36ers Saturday October 7 at 5.30pm on SBS VIceland, and New Zealand Breakers V Cairns Taipans on Sunday October 8 at 3pm on SBS. “It’s the kind of sport which can bring together diverse communities through a shared common passion,” SBS Director of Sport, Ken Shipp said.

Doggett on cusp

Toowoomba quick Brendan Doggett is on the cusp of becoming the first indigenous man to represent Queensland in 30 years. The 23-year-old is the only fresh face in the Bulls’ one-day cup squad and is a chance of featuring in the tournament opener against South Australia at Allan Border Field next Wednesday. Doggett played for the Cricket Australia XI in last year’s tournament and if selected will be the first indigenous Bulls player since paceman Michael Mainhardt played the last of his six games in the 1986-87 season. Last year’s runner-up will be captained by Usman Khawaja.

Saints back Barba

Justin Holbrook redesigned his St Helens team to find space for controversial fullback Ben Barba, and the Australian believes the formula is capable of firing his side to Super League glory. If the Saints beat Salford Red Devils tonight then they all but guarantee a place alongside Castleford Tigers and Leeds Rhinos in next week’s semi-finals. They are full of confidence following a 40-16 hammering of Huddersfield Giants last week. Barba scored one try and set up another to show glimpses of what he can do, as he immerses himself into the team following a ban for taking cocaine after Cronulla’s Grand Final win a year ago.