Tolo looks set to leave Capitals

The dream Lauren Jackson-Marianna Tolo partnership is unlikely to continue at the Canberra Capitals next season, with Europe seemingly winning the battle for Tolo's signature.

Tolo is seriously considering offers from two French teams, and is likely to attract more interest from European clubs in coming months.

The Capitals are desperate for Tolo, named the club's most valuable player for the past two seasons, to remain in Canberra and forge the WNBL's best inside combination with Jackson.

But The Canberra Times understands the 22-year-old feels the time is right to test herself overseas.

Should she take the plunge as expected, Tolo has the full support of Capitals small forward Carly Wilson, who believes her flatmate is ready to take the next step.

Wilson and Tolo were both named in a preliminary 24-player Australian Opals squad yesterday, which will work toward the Olympics in July.

"She hasn't said this, but I think she feels she's ready to go," Wilson said. "I would think that having had such a strong few years here and having learnt so much under Graffy [Canberra and Opals coach Carrie Graf], she probably feels comfortable now going overseas.

"I feel she's ready and could gain a lot out of experiencing something different, that physical international play, and she'll only come back better for it.

"I think she'll find it difficult to leave Canberra because she loves it here, but if she goes for a year and hates it then that's fine, we'll welcome her back with open arms."

Wilson herself played a season in France for Challes Les Eaux in 2008-09, and knows the challenges, both on and off the court, that heading offshore poses.

But she insists Tolo is up to the task.

"She's stronger and older now, and I think the biggest part about going to Europe is maturity," Tolo said.

"It's always hard when you get shoved to another country where no-one speaks your language, you train twice a day and it's emotionally and physically tiring.

"[But] she's experienced a lot here in Canberra and she's had a bit of international experience with the Opals, so I think she can handle it."

Tolo yesterday admitted reuniting with Jackson was tempting, but she was also keen to develop her leadership skills, creating a dilemma.

"I'm at the point where playing a lot of minutes and taking that responsibility is something I have to do, and something I have to do in the future, so I want to practice that as much as I can," Tolo said.

"But also playing with Lauren Jackson who's a superstar and takes a bit of pressure off, that's what I have to weigh up at the moment."

Tolo faces some stiff competition to claim an Olympic berth, with the Opals squad boasting unprecedented depth in the 'talls' department.

Tolo, Jackson and Bulleen star Elizabeth Cambage are joined by Adelaide twin towers Suzy Batkovic and Abby Bishop, who have been superb for the WNBL pace-setters.

While she hasn't been as dynamic as in previous campaigns this season, the Queenslander is rated a strong chance of making the final squad of around 15.

Former Capitals point guard Natalie Hurst, currently playing in France, has also made her first Opals squad in several years.

"There's no surprises there in the squad, and I wouldn't want to have the job of who to pick for these Olympics," Tolo said.

"I wanted this challenge this year where people have double-teamed me, and it's been a good learning curve for the next couple of years."

OPALS SQUAD

Suzy Batkovic, Abby Bishop, Liz Cambage, Rohanee Cox, Rachael Flanagan, Cayla Francis, Kristi Harrower, Laura Hodges, Natalie Hurst, Lauren Jackson, Rachel Jarry, Kathleen Macleod, Jenna O'Hea, Elyse Penaluna, Erin Phillips, Alicia Poto, Sam Richards, Jennifer Screen, Belinda Snell, Penny Taylor, Marianna Tolo, Kristen Veal, Carly Wilson, Hanna Zavecz.