Coast to coast: Teige Morrell and Nicole Munger shine in NBL1
UC Capitals forward Teige Morrell and guard Nicole Munger have both made history, becoming the only two players in NBL1 history to be named MVP three times.
Teige had another dominant season in the NBL1 West, averaging 21.5 points, 13.5 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game for the Lakeside Lightning. She was also named in the NBL1 West First-Team, along with fellow Cap Zitina Aokuso.
“I’m blown away. It’s such a huge honour,” Teige said.
“I’d trade it in a heartbeat for a chance to compete for the championship, but going back-to-back and being able to win three is as cool as it gets from an individual standpoint.”
Despite already establishing herself as one of the top stars in NBL1, Teige said the 2025 season was one of immense growth for her.
“My leadership – being able to step into my role as the captain of the team more comfortably this season and from a player development standpoint, I’m pleased with how I was able to expand my game and become more of a threat from the perimeter.”
“I’m excited to bring both these attributes to Canberra for the upcoming WNBL season.”
Teige was previously named NBL1 West MVP in 2024 and won the NBL1 Central MVP in 2021 with the Southern Tigers. She was also named MVP of the South Australia Premier League in 2019, before the league was rebranded under the NBL1 banner.
In the NBL1 East, Caps fan-favourite Nicole Munger was also named back-to-back league MVP, her third straight overall. Munger led the Newcastle Falcons to a 17-3 record while averaging 21 points, 14.4 rebounds and 6.4 assists per game this season.
“I’m really honoured because there’s so many great players in this league. It’s amazing to see how the league has grown and how deep the talent pool is. Taylor Wurtz had an incredible year, and I thought she was very much deserving of the award,” Munger said.
“It’s really a great award, but it also highlights what we’re building here in Newcastle and the culture that we’ve created and how we’ve put ourselves in a position to compete for another championship.”
Munger and the Falcons are currently preparing for their preliminary finals match against Wurtz’s Sea Eagles, as they look to move one step closer to repeating as conference champions.
She’s looking forward to bring the winning culture back to Canberra for the summer, as the Capitals look end their playoff drought this season.
“I’m really looking forward to making connections with the girls and the rest of the team and to continue building that bond and culture with the returning players and welcoming the new players in that circle.”
“From our group chats so far, it’s looking like we’ll be a tight-knit group and I’m very excited to see everyone in person soon.”
Grab a Caps membership and catch Teige and Munger get buckets live at the AIS Arena this season!