But it’s not just the 12 national teams the club will take on: such is the depth of the South Dragons’ new outfit, the stars will find themselves in stiff competition with one another for a place in the new-look line-up.

“We’ve signed 11 players so we want to keep it competitive in the last couple of spots as to who will make the roster each week,” Heal said.

“I think to have 11 guys and particularly as young as our team is, it’s really exciting and it’s really going to be up to the guys to see what sort of role they play depending on their off-season and their efforts when the games come around.”

Joining Heal in the Dragons’ camp are Matt Burston, Brent Hobba, Jacob Holmes, Joe Ingles and newcomers Cortez Groves, Nick Horvath, Simon Conn, Luke Martin and Brad Hill.

With one final player to be named in the South Dragons’ squad, the club will boast considerable depth next season.

But it’s not just the playing group that has Heal excited; the club enters next season backed by a stellar team of coaching and support staff.

“I look at what Guy (Molloy) brings to the table as an assistant coach and I couldn’t be happier,” Heal said.

“With our strength and conditioning trainer Val and the rest of our medical staff, I think they all play a really important role in us being successful.

“Even four months out from the start of the season their roles are crucial right now, and I’m really excited to have all of those people a part of the club and contributing to the team because that’s what it’s going to take.”

Heal returns to South Dragons headquarters today to continue work with his new-season charges on the long road to NBL success.