The Newcastle Falcons are pleased to announce the return of local products Holly Keeble and Elle Kalluski for the 2026 NBL1 East season, reinforcing the club’s commitment to developing and retaining home-grown talent.
A junior of the Newcastle Falcons, Keeble returns to the NBL1 program after spending the past two seasons with the Waratah Women. Bringing her valuable experience, basketball IQ and composure back into the Falcons NBL1 squad.
Keeble said she was excited to be returning to the Falcons ahead of the 2026 season. “I’m very excited for the year to come. I’m grateful for the opportunity and the support, and I’m ready to get to work.”
Falcons Head Coach Bernadette Schmidt said Keeble’s return was particularly meaningful for the program. “It’s super exciting to have a true local talent rejoining the team. Holly is a much-loved junior of the Newcastle Falcons, and after two seasons with the Waratah Women, she returns to the NBL1 family once again. A true hidden talent, Holly brings experience, basketball smarts, and a high-level understanding of the game to our group. I’m incredibly excited to have Holly as part of this — it really means a lot to me that she’s playing for us. I can’t wait to see just how much her game grows this season.”
Elle Kalluski will also return for the 2026 campaign after continuing her steady development within the Falcons program. Now two years out of juniors, Kalluski is set to take on a larger role as she continues to mature and refine her game at NBL1 level.
Kalluski shared her excitement about returning to the group. “I’m beyond grateful for the opportunity to play another season alongside a great group of girls. I’m super excited for the season ahead and can’t wait to see what our group can achieve!”
Coach Schmidt highlighted Kalluski’s work ethic and growing influence within the squad. “Elle returns once again in 2026, and you’d be hard-pressed to find a better human being. She works unbelievably hard at everything she does, and basketball is no exception. Now two years out of juniors, I’m looking to Elle to take on a bigger role within this group. It’s an exciting time for our home-grown talent — time to step into the limelight and shine. Elle’s game continues to improve year after year, and I’m really excited to see just how far this talented young lady can take her game.”
The return of Keeble and Kalluski highlights the strength of Newcastle Basketball’s development pathways and the Falcons’ ongoing focus on building competitive NBL1 teams with strong local connections.
Fans can catch the Falcons in action at the 2026 season home opener on Saturday, 28 March, when Newcastle hosts the Norths Bears at Newcastle Basketball Stadium.
👉 See the full 2026 NBL1 East Draw HERE.