With players from all over New Zealand, Australia and the United States, plus the added complications of World Championship commitments, the full Breakers roster for the 2006-07 season have not all been in the same room until this week - leaving less than a month to prepare for the start of the season.

Far from being unhappy with this, Lemanis is actually grateful for the the time he has with the squad.

"This is almost a luxury! Last season we had a fortnight to try and pull everything together. We had a new group of players, with everyone trying to learn new systems and combinations - including the coaches" said Lemanis.

"This season we are far more advanced than at the same time last year. We have six guys returning from last season, and Adam (Darragh) and Oscar (Forman)have been working with the systems for the past couple of months. Carlos (Riccardo Powell) and Brian (Wethers) are smart ball players, and are picking up our stuff very quickly. There is a good feeling in the group."

"Rather than having to learn new systems we are working on improvements, and adding some of the key things I learned during my trip to the US."

This week has been the first opportunity for the Tall Blacks to see some of their new team mates in action - and they like what they see.

"We know what Brian can do, having seen him in action lighting it up for Hunter. I'm just glad he's one of my scoring options now!" said team captain Henare.

"Carlos looks exciting - he was really going at it today, I think we are going to see some very good stuff from him this season. They are both great guys too, already part of the family."

The Breakers pre-season schedule starts on September 7 with a game against the Townsville Crocodiles in Coffs Harbour. The team play in the Blitz tournament over the following weekend, before heading to Sydney for games against the Kings and the Razorbacks.