Netball elite to light up Mackay in Queensland Firebirds and Sunshine Coast Lightning game
A Queensland netball showdown will come down to which side is the fittest this pre-season, with the some of the best players on display in Mackay. See who to keep an eye on.
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From Australian Diamond contributors to first timers, some of the league’s best talent will be on display at this weekend’s exhibition between the Queensland Firebirds and Sunshine Coast Lightning.
With a new format of five periods of 10 minutes, the sold out crowd will benefit from the extended benches getting on court during the evening.
Having won back-to-back premierships at the league’s formation six years ago, the Lightning are looking to climb back up the ladder after finishing last this past season.
The Lightning will be bolstered by the return of three key Australian team players including Tara Hinchliffe, who recently captained the national side to a win at the Fast5 competition.
As well as Hinchcliffe, both Steph Wood and Cara Koenen will return from Diamond duties eager to kick off their season.
“It has been so good to have Steph, Cara and Tara back in our training environment. They have all represented our country exceptionally well and I can’t wait to have their experience,” Lighting coach Belinda Reynolds said.
Along with the experienced players come the fresh faces, with the lightning looking to test young shooter Charlie Bell, who moved from the Firebirds to sign a deal with the Lightning.
A member of the Australian Under 21 squad, Bell signed a replacement contract with the Lightning only three weeks ago, and the 197cm shooter has settled in well.
“Charlie has adapted well to the move to the Sunshine Coast and has shown great commitment to her training,” Reynolds said.
Turning attention to the Firebirds, they will be keen to show just what they are made of after missing the finals last season.
Although the Firebirds are a young side with a young coach, after the appointment of Bec Bulley in August this year they still have senior experience to draw on in 2023.
With the likes of Lara Dunkley, 2022 team MVP Gretel Bueta, Kim Ravaillion and Gabi Simpson, the side is in a great position to ascend the ladder this season.
Among the stars are the next generation looking for contracts, with shooters Lauren Frew and Emily Moore travelling with the side in a hope of signing their first super league contracts.
“We’ve been having a close look at both Lauren and Emily since the start of November,” Bulley said.
“Both are ambitious and talented players and it will be exciting to see them in action in purple against Suncorp Super Netball opposition.”
The game provides a rare opportunity to see all players available in action and proving themselves as integral to a 2023 campaign, with both teams ambitious to be in the finals come season’s end.
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