Coach Neal Tweedy concludes extraordinary 27-year NBL1 coaching career

Rockhampton Basketball Incorporated (RBI) confirms that Coach Neal Tweedy will conclude his tenure as Head Coach of the NBL1 North Rockhampton Rockets men’s team following the 2026 season.

Coach Tweedy and RBI have mutually agreed to conclude his tenure as Head Coach, bringing an extraordinary coaching career with Rockhampton Basketball to a close.

After 27 years at the helm of the Rockhampton Rockets men’s program, Tweedy leaves an extraordinary coaching legacy that has helped shape Rockhampton Basketball and the broader Central Queensland basketball community.

His coaching record speaks for itself, with four NBL1 North championships in 2008, 2010, 2013 and 2014, together with a national championship in 2008 and reaching the playoffs 18 times. His longevity and contribution to the game have also seen him recognized as the longest-serving NBL1 Head Coach in Australia.

Coach Tweedy started his basketball career as junior at Rockhampton Basketball and represented Rockhampton and Queensland before joining the Men’s Rockets program. Deciding to hang up his boots in 1995, Neal stepped into an assistant coaching role before being appointed as Head Coach in 1997.

For more than four decades, Tweedy has given his time, knowledge and passion to the Rockhampton basketball community. While his achievements on the court are significant, his greatest legacy is perhaps the generations of players he has coached, mentored and supported throughout his career.

RBI General Manager Jordan Gregurke said Tweedy’s contribution to Rockhampton Basketball was exceptional.

“Neal’s coaching career is one that deserves to be celebrated. To lead an NBL1 program for 27 years, while achieving four championships and a national championship, is an extraordinary accomplishment,” Mr Gregurke said.

“His impact extends well beyond the results on the court. He has developed generations of players, supported coaches and programs, and given an enormous amount to basketball in Rockhampton and Central Queensland. On behalf of Rockhampton Basketball, we sincerely thank Neal for his remarkable contribution and the lasting legacy he leaves with our club and our basketball community.”

RBI also acknowledged the support of Neal’s family, particularly his wife Angela and children Ben, Emily and Jack, who have supported him throughout his coaching career.

Reflecting on his tenure as Head Coach, Neal said the people and relationships formed throughout his coaching career would remain among the most rewarding aspects of his time with Rockhampton Basketball.

“To have had the opportunity to coach for 27 years and to be part of this club and the community for more than 40 years has been a privilege,” Mr Tweedy said.

“When I look back, the championships and success are certainly highlights, but what I will remember most are the people — the players I have coached, the coaches and volunteers I have worked alongside, particularly my long-time Assistant Coach, Darren Richardson, and Manager, Stuart Reoch. I am also grateful to the families who have supported the program and the supporters who have been there through the good times and the difficult times.

“Coaching has given me the opportunity to be part of the development of so many young men, both as basketballers and as people. Watching players grow, succeed and go on to achieve things in their basketball and personal lives has been one of the most rewarding parts of the job.

“Basketball has been a very important part of my life, and while this chapter as Head Coach is coming to an end, I will always be proud of what we have built and the contribution we have made to basketball.

“I wish the club, the players, coaches and everyone involved with Rockhampton Basketball every success for the future.”