International success on home soil is the next goal for Ajaz Patel

The 31-year-old has been included on New Zealand Cricket's central contract list for the first time.

All of Patel's 22 test wickets have come overseas, but he's confident he can convert his excellent domestic form for the Central Stags to test level.

The tough realities of being away from home for an indefinite period are coming clear for the Warriors.

It's still not clear if or when their families might be able to join them across the Tasman, with the NRL resumption now under two weeks away.

Halfback Blake Green says calls home to his kids are proving tough at times.

Tasmania's Southern Huskies NBL basketball team, are permanently relaunching in Auckland to become the Auckland Huskies.

The first mission for the re-badged team will be the touted 2020 competition, which the League is set to announce early next week.

NBL Championship winning coach and former professional player Kevin Braswell has been named head coach.