Australian Opals coach Brendan Joyce has backed the Canberra Capitals to again become a ''powerhouse'' of the WNBL if their title-winning trio are reunited.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Star Lauren Jackson, power forward Abby Bishop and point guard Nat Hurst are on the cusp of suiting up together for the first time since the club's most recent championship in 2009-10.
Hurst has already agreed to return, but there is no announcement on the availability of Jackson and Bishop.
The Capitals are yet to decide whether they will accept Jackson's offer of playing this season, while Bishop is under contract with French club Perpignan.
However, she is involved in a pay dispute and is one of several players at the club who has not been paid since January.
Joyce cast an eye over all three at a recent Opals camp at the AIS, and believes they are capable of instantly transforming the Capitals into title contenders.
''With all three of those girls playing, they're going to be a powerhouse,'' Joyce said. ''The style in Europe has really suited Nat. She's come back with a higher level of confidence and is skilled in a lot of areas.''
Hurst is the lowest profile of the three, but her importance to the Capitals cannot be understated.
The Canberra junior won six championships with the Capitals and has spent the past two seasons with French club Aix-en-Provence.
Her experience earned her a call-up to the national squad and she made an immediate impression on Joyce.
Hurst is in line to play in the Opals' upcoming Oceania series with New Zealand. Focus will then turn to the Capitals as she possibly reunites with Jackson and Bishop.
''Nat's not someone everyone talked about, and I don't know why because she's really good,'' Joyce said. ''She fits the style of play because I'm looking for players who are versatile.''
