QLD Firebirds, Sunshine Coast Lightning to face off at Spirit Cup in Mackay

After both missing finals last season, Queensland’s Super Netball teams will jump start their campaigns with one side hosting a rare meet and greet Friday evening. Here’s how you can get involved.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 04: Gretel Bueta of the Firebirds in action during the round 13 Super Netball match between Queensland Firebirds and GWS Giants at Nissan Arena, on June 04, 2022, in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Super Netball will find its way to Mackay for the first time as the Queensland Firebirds and the Sunshine Coast Lightning face off in the city on Saturday night in the Suncorp Spirit Cup.

With pre-season training beginning at the start of October, this will be the first scrimmage for each team, with the Firebirds ready for the regional battle at the Mackay Multisport Stadium.

After missing last year’s finals by just a game, the young side is determined to prove it belongs in the competition, according to new Aussie Diamonds defender Ruby Bakewell-Doran.

Bakewell-Doran was the feel good story of the season last year, being elevated from a training spot to eventually starting for the Firebirds.

Ruby Bakewell-Doran is ready to go come Saturday night, as the 23 year old defender looks to set the tone for her firebirds team heading into the 2023 season. (Photo by James Worsfold/Getty Images)

It didn’t stop there for the 23-year-old defender, who after just 15 games was given the call up to the Australian Diamond Squad.

“It was very surreal,” Bakewell-Doran said.

“When I did get the call, it was the most insane moment of my life that’s for sure”.

The gritty defender was confident the group was ready to bounce back after the disappointment of last season and put on a show come this weekend in Mackay.

“Pre-season games are always such a good test,” she said.

“It will be exciting to get out there and have a good hitout.”

When asked about the feeling of the group heading into the inaugural Spirit Cup, Bakewell-Doran was enthusiastic about the trip.

“It's a really cool opportunity to get up to a regional place and be able to see so many of our fans and supporters who love netball and don’t get that opportunity,” she said.

As exciting as the game will be come Saturday, the unique opportunity to meet the entire Firebirds franchise will be an invaluable experience the night before the game.

With every player, coach and staff member available to chat and share their stories of the industry, first year coach Rebecca Bulley cannot wait to connect with the community.

New Queensland Firebirds head coach Rebecca Bulley is excited to take the game regional as her first time as Firebirds Coach. Picture: Liam Kidston

“I know how much these opportunities mean to regional people because they don’t get the exposure to these high performance teams and players,” Bulley said.

Being offered a candid insight into the workings of elite netball is rare, given it is only one of two opportunities to do so for the entire season.

“Outside of our gala dinner, this is the only event our fans can come and meet the whole team,” Bulley said, encouraging both fans and non-netballers to attend the event.

“Hopefully it will be a massive opportunity to get to know our regional fans and hopefully attract some new ones to our sport and club as well.”

The last time the Firebirds and Lightning met was round 11 last year, where the Lightning ran away 21 point winners. Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

This will be the first opportunity to see the teams heading into the 2023 campaign, with tickets to Saturday night’s game still available. 

For those interested in Friday nights ‘Night with the Firebirds’ tickets can be found here. 

The event has been brought to the region by Mackay Regional Council and Suncorp.