That is the message from Newcastle men's and women's coaches Rex Nottage and Martin McLean as the Hunters prepare to relaunch their Waratah Basketball League campaigns against perennial contenders Norths Bears at North Sydney Indoor Sports Centre on Saturday.

The Hunters were ready to tip off at home against Penrith on March 14 but the season was suspended indefinitely earlier that day and has since been rejigged and condensed into a 10-week schedule culminating with finals weekend on September 19 and 20.

Nottage is in charge of a revamped Newcastle squad which includes Newcastle junior Myles Cherry in his first season since completing his US college commitments at Lafayette. Other new faces include Matur Maluach and Chier Maker, who both played under Nottage at Newington College.

Newcastle juniors Jacob Foy and Alex Clinton, who are between seasons with their respective US colleges, Jaidyn Goodwin and Lonnie Funderburke are among the players returning from last year.

"We've only had a couple of weeks training together, which is not ideal, but that's the same across the board for all teams," Nottage said.

"It's all about who turns up on the night but being the first game, you would expect both teams to be up for it. Number one for me, Norths have been together for a while and will have a good understanding of each other so that's our biggest issue - that they've got that over us.

"But we've got a good young group with a good understanding of what we're trying to do. We need to do enough things to disrupt them and take them out of their flow, so we'll look at changing up what we do at the offensive and defensive ends of the floor."

The cancellation of the NBL1 competition resulted in the return of Women's National Basketball League players Hannah Young, Lara McSpadden and Cassidy McLean to a Newcastle team trying to defend their Waratah League title.

The reigning women's champions will play only three home games against Manly on July 25, Canberra on August 8 and Central Coast on September 12.

The Hunters men will host the same three opponents and play an additional home game against Bankstown on August 1.

Like Nottage, McLean has dealt with personnel changes and other disruptions during the COVID-19 lockdown and is looking forward to seeing his team play.

"After everything that's happened, we're glad to finally have a game to prepare for," McLean said.

"The overall squad isn't all back together again yet because of restrictions on university accommodation and a few injury issues with Kate Kingham and Brooke Rowsthorne, so we might have to double up a bit with some of the Youth League girls, but we're all excited to be playing again.

"Norths at Norths is always a tough assignment and they have some experienced players in their squad so the main thing for us will be executing at both ends of the floor."

Meanwhile, two-time NBL winner Chris Goulding will continue his love affair with the Melbourne basketball community after signing a new three-year deal to remain in United colours.

Goulding, 31, represented Australia at the 2016 Olympics and is in contention for Tokyo next year.