Shelley, Hynes to join roster ahead of NBL27

Ahead of the start of the Hungry Jack’s NBL27 season, Melbourne United has added two new pieces to the roster.

Ballarat guard Will Hynes will join the roster as a Development Player, while NBL1 South Champion Austin Shelley will come in as the team’s second Nominated Replacement Player (NRP).

In addition to these signings, Harry Neilson and the club have mutually agreed to conclude his Development Player agreement as Neilson explores NCAA opportunities. Neilson will remain with the team as a training player for the duration of the season.

Looking at the pair of 24-year-old guards, Head Coach Jacob Chance touched on the skillset both Shelley and Hynes add to the roster.

“They’ve both got this real physical edge and fearlessness that allows them to compete with some of the best players in our league,” Chance explained.

“With Aussie (Shelley), he’s someone familiar to our program having been with us as a training player for different periods.

“He’s improved a lot so far in his career, but I think he’s still got so much room to get better, and that’s going to come with being in a professional environment every day.

“Will was someone who the coaching staff identified across the NBL1 season as a really impressive Victorian talent. He made a commitment to get on the court with us where possible coming from Ballarat, and he’s showcased a real knack for doing the dirty work and going 100% when he’s in the game.”

In the NBL1 South last season, Shelley averaged 16.4 points and four assists per game, helping to lead the Blues to their first Championship since the competition’s rebrand in 2019, while Hynes finished as one of the league’s top scorers, producing 22.4 points per game for the Ballarat Miners.

Melbourne United’s season kicks off this Saturday evening inside John Cain Arena against the Adelaide 36ers from 7:30pm.

Tickets are available here.