WNBL veteran has runs on the board to make impact should she secure a spot for 2020-21 season

The 2020-21 WNBL season will have a different look with no restricted players, opening the door for the likes of a Hobart Chargers’ star to return to the league

Tayla Roberts looks for a teammate last year. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

CHARGERS women’s coach Mark Nash believes the WNBL’s decision to cut restricted players for the 2020-21 season could assist the likes of Tayla Roberts to re-enter the league.

The WNBL announced last Thursday the free agency window was opening, as well as revealing this year’s competition will proceed without imports due to the potential financial impacts from COVID-19.

The decision opens several roster spots for each team, and Nash feels someone of Roberts’ calibre would be the perfect beneficiary should she want to return to the highest level.

Roberts, who played with the Hobart Huskies in the NBL1 last year, had re-signed with the Chargers for 2020 before the competition was scrapped.

The 27-year-old centre-forward is a former WNBL rookie of the year (2010) and has spent the past decade plying her trade in the league.

Tayla Roberts (right) defends Kayla Alexander in a WNBL clash between Adelaide Lightning and Dandenong in 2018. Picture SARAH REED

In July 2018 she announced she was making the move into AFLW having signed with North Melbourne as an open age rookie, but later in the year pulled out to focus primarily on basketball.

“I absolutely think Tayla Roberts is a WNBL calibre player and I was really excited to have the opportunity to coach her,” Nash said.

“She presented to pre-season training really physically fit and healthy and raring to go, it was really disappointing for all of our players that the season did not take place.

“The great thing for Tayla Roberts is she has the runs on the board, she has contributed at that level before, so I think it is more her personal preferences on when is the right time to get back to the WNBL.

“I’m sure there would be plenty of teams that would be interested in securing her.”

A host of Australian talent could flood back to the country this season, with the likes of Bec Allen (New York Liberty), Liz Cambage (Las Vegas Aces), Alanna Smith (Phoenix Mercury) and Sami Whitcomb (Seattle Storm) all chances to feature with the WNBA season on hold.