Johny Narkle on the final buzzer.
UPDATE: The Geraldton Buccaneers have confirmed the departure of star player Johny Narkle, who has signed with the Cockburn Cougars for the upcoming NBL1 West 2026 season. This significant move, announced over the Christmas period, marks the end of an era for the Buccs and has sent ripples through the local basketball community.
Narkle, a 24-year-old standout from Geraldton, has been instrumental in securing two championship titles for the Buccaneers in 2023 and 2024, where he was named grand final MVP in both seasons. His impressive statistics from 2025 include an average of 23.15 points, 7.92 rebounds, 4.96 assists, 2.15 steals, and 1.65 blocks per game. Narkle’s remarkable performance earned him a development contract with the Illawarra Hawks, where he has played nine games this season, averaging 1.9 points per game.
The Buccaneers shared an emotional farewell on social media, stating, “Thank you, Johny Narkle. As our chapter comes to a close, we’d like to sincerely thank Sparkle for his contribution to the Fenix Geraldton Buccaneers. We wish him all the very best in the next stage of his basketball journey.” The Cougars expressed their excitement in welcoming Narkle, eager to see him dominate on the court in the upcoming season.
Narkle’s journey with the Buccs began in 2020 when he joined as an 18-year-old. He balanced basketball with football, playing for the WAFL reserves at Subiaco before committing fully to basketball. His accolades include back-to-back NBL1 West sixth man of the year titles in 2022 and 2023, as well as the youth player of the year and all-first team honors in 2025.
As the Buccaneers look ahead, they have already signed Cooper Creek, a former forward from the Warwick Senators, to bolster their roster for the upcoming season. Fans can expect a thrilling matchup when Narkle returns to Activewest Stadium as an opposing player on April 25, 2026, during round five against the Buccaneers.
This pivotal transition in the NBL1 West landscape highlights the competitive nature of Australian basketball and the impact of local talent. As Narkle embarks on this new chapter, the community reflects on his legacy with the Buccaneers, celebrating his contributions while anticipating his future achievements with the Cougars.
Stay tuned for more updates as the basketball season unfolds and both teams prepare for an exhilarating year ahead.
