Last year's runner-up will be the litmus test for all clubs, coming up against the competition's newcomers, who will be coached by former NBA and Australian point guard Shane Heal.

Opening weekend could not be any tougher if WNBL schedule-makers tried for the Spirit, who will back up on Saturday night against reigning champions the Townsville Fire.

Much interest will centre on the clash against the Stars, who will be without stars Erin Phillips, who is still tied up with the Los Angeles Spark in the WNBA, and fellow Opals player Bec Allen, who is recovering from a knee injury.

The Stars roster still boasts plenty of fire-power through WNBA and WNBL championship player Rachel Jarry and imports Ify Ibekwe and Denesha Stallworth.

The Spirit, under new Simon Pritchard, will have a new look about them too.

Gone are club legend Kristi Harrower, Chelsea Aubrey (both retired) Sara Blicavs (Dandenong) and Tessa Lavey (Perth).

American Joy Burke heads the ins, alongside former Ballarat Rush youngster Molly Matthews and South Australian Ashleigh Spencer, who spent the past four years in the US college system.

After an interrupted last month due to player work and other sporting commitments, Pritchard said his side was full-strength and "ready to go" in Queensland.

"We think we have all the Ts crossed and Is crossed and we're pretty happy with where we are at given the restraints we've had," he said.

"The girls have trained really well this week with the games pending.

"It's been much, much better than it has been the previous two weeks. 

"We had a lot of distractions, a lot of other things finishing off like work commitments, but that's all settled and we've had everybody in."

Pritchard said the Stars had come up into the league "with a bang" and would be keen to impress first up.

"They are two women down and wounded, which is good for us," he said.

"But then again, they are playing their very first game at home.

"If they were coming here I'd be very confident, going there, we'll have to see at quarter time how we are going and work from there."

Newcomer Burke will slot into a starting line-up that still features plenty of championship experience in two-time grand final MVP Kesley Griffin, standout centre Gabe Richards, three-time Olympian Belnda Snell and star point guard Kelly Wilson.

Mindful of the tough draw, Pritchard said even splitting the weekend 1-1 would be an achievement for the Spirit.

“I think it all comes down to winning that first game and getting it right.

“We get that right, that gives up some real momentum going into Townsville.

“If we don’t get the first game right I think it;s going to be very hard to get ourselves up within 24 hours having lost the night before.

“It’s real important we get that first quarter right (against the Stars).”