Southern Huskies’ push to join NBL may be done after offer for DEC rejected

SOUTHERN Huskies bankroller Justin Hickey has declared Tasmania’s immediate NBL push is all but over following the failed bid to purchase the Derwent Entertainment Centre.

This vision for the Derwent Entertainment Centre won’t be happening any more. Picture: SUPPLIED

SOUTHERN Huskies bankroller Justin Hickey has declared Tasmania’s immediate NBL push is all but over following the failed bid to purchase the Derwent Entert­ainment Centre.

The Glenorchy City Council’s rejection of the offer by HydraPlay — the company owned by Hickey — now leaves the proposed club with no home stadium.

The Huskies were chasing the NBL’s 10th licence for entry into the competition in 2020-21, but central to the business case was stadium ownership so there were multiple revenue streams outside ticket sales.

There is no way it is going ahead. I have wasted so much money, I don’t mind spending it knowing it is my own risk, but I’m not going to continue throwing money away.

With the Huskies now left with no base, a frustrated Hickey said it would be diff­icult to forge ahead following the council’s decision.

HUSKIES CRY FOUL OVER DEC BID

“It is too risky to run a $6 million club in the Australian NBL, which is what we need to spend, and not be in control of your own destiny and rely on renting the stad­ium,” Hickey said.

“That is the problem of the league now, scheduling and teams being on the fringe because they can’t control their own destiny.

“There is no way it is going ahead. I have wasted so much money, I don’t mind spending it knowing it is my own risk, but I’m not going to continue throwing money away. I have plenty of good projects to work on with good people who want to see an outcome.

“You can’t flog a dead horse, it will be another case of what could have been down there.”

Hydraplay owner Justin Hickey has been left frustratd by the failed process to buy the Derwent Entertainment Centre. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE

The Southern Huskies had created a huge groundswell of support since launching their brand several months ago, and have signed more than 5000 members.

It is believed discussions to enter the New Zealand league — also called the NBL — next season as a launching pad towards the Australian competition were also heavily advanced.

Hickey would not comment on the impact the council’s decision will have on those plans.