Devastating Rays blow shakes up Townsville and North Queensland netball
The Northern Rays have been forced to make a “heartbreaking” decision with the start of the Sapphire Series looming.
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IN A blow to North Queensland’s netball scene, the Northern Rays have made the difficult decision to pull out of the 2020 HART Sapphire Series.
The Townsville-based side are latest in sport to feel the wrath of the coronavirus pandemic, with the club’s board pointing to the conditions it has caused for destroying the team’s ability to commit to the season.
Rays chairman Michael Brennan and the board were left devastated by the decision after working tireless to put a tumultuous 2019 campaign behind them.
They were set to bounce back from last year’s financial difficulties, with the appointment of Scotland’s World Cup coach Gail Parata expected to attract high calibre talent and a host of sponsors.
The advance of their Pacific Island International exchange program had also given signs of growth beyond the 2020 season.
Originally the Sapphire Series was set to begin in October, however Netball Queensland made the decision last week to move its commencement up to August.
“Travel restrictions mean it is unfeasible for Head Coach Gail Parata to leave her family in
New Zealand and travel abroad,” Brennan said.
“At a domestic level, we also have no idea of what travel is going to look like, how many flights will be available and at what price.
“As the only truly regional team in Queensland, the Northern Rays is severely disadvantaged
by COVID-19 travel implications.
“It’s been heart breaking to have to go to the players, assistants and North Queensland netball community with the news that our 2020 season won’t be going ahead.”
All current Rays squad members — comprising of players from Townsville, Mackay and Cairns — will be released to play in their local association competitions.
The club are also in discussions with Parata about extending her contract for the 2021 season, set to run from June to October.
Existing sponsorships with Townsville Brothers Leagues Club, Direct Wholesale Tyres, Emu Sportswear Townsville and Parry NQ Nissan will roll over into 2021.
Netball Queensland’s General Manager of Venues, Events, Competitions and Commercial,
Ben Mannion, acknowledged the truly difficult decision and reaffirmed the governing body’s
commitment to the Northern Rays and the region.
He said the easing of COVID-19 restrictions had enabled them to move the season up, and while it would impact the Rays ability to compete this year they were committed to sustaining their place in the Sapphire Series in the future.
Originally published as Devastating Rays blow shakes up Townsville and North Queensland netball