500,000 students: QLD School Sport seeks abroad for schoolboys national netball titles
Calls have been made to get the ball moving on a senior schoolboys nationals in 2025 as men’s netball participation continues to grow in the state and beyond, both in playing and officiating capacity. Details here:
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Calls have been made to get the ball moving on a senior schoolboys nationals in 2025 as men’s netball participation continues to grow in the state and beyond, both in playing and officiating capacity.
“QRSS provides a pathway for all students across the state as well as staff and umpires and referees,” Queensland Representative School Sport Officer Carynne Robinson said.
“Approximately 500,000 students have access to the (school sport) program entering at a district level through their school.
School Sport Australia have already announced an Under-15 boys national championships will run alongside the girls event in 2025.
“This provides our boys in Queensland a chance to progress through 12s to 15s and compete on the national stage,” Robinson said.
But the work isn’t done yet, QRSS gunning to implement a national championships in the Under-19 - girls and boys - division.
“Plans are being put in place,” Robinson said.
“Conversations (are) occurring with other states, Pacific Islands and New Zealand at the moment.
“This is exciting for students coming through the pathway.”
As it stands, both the girls and boys Under-19 squads participate in a high performance ‘camp’ instead of competing at a national tournament.
Five teams descended on a southeast Queensland school last week as part of preparations for the Under-12 Girls and Boys National Championships in Melbourne, held September 7-13.
The two squads of 10-12 year old rising talents were accompanied by the Under-15 boys, Under-19 boys and Under-19 girls high performance training squads selected from their respective Queensland School Sport Titles throughout 2024.
UNDER-19 BOYS
Brock Adaway
Adaway is a GS/ GA from Cairns. He has a solid build that is great on a hold, but his court intelligence is also an asset when he is in a more dynamic role such as GA or WA.
Blake Armstrong
Armstrong plays both positions in the shooting circle. He has the ability to lose his defenders on the baseline with his perfect timing and game-smarts. His game awareness for someone his age is phenomenal. The Netball Queensland 2023 Rising Sun awardee is also a former U17 QLD Suns Captain, and is definitely a player to keep your eye on in the future.
Maxwell Carson
Max is a hardworking GD/ GK who has the ability to read the play perfectly as he hunts for intercepts. Carson’s game smarts and “never say never” defensive mentality makes him an exceptional netballer to watch. This year, he was named in the U17 Australian Squad.
Jed Cavanagh
Cavanagh is a tall player that plays across all defensive positions (GK, GD, WD and C). He is highly talented across all four positions as he defends with tenacity but balances his skills with finesse when he attacks in centre. The teen provides a lot of stability to the squads as he is the perfect combination of Mr Reliable and Mr Consistent on court.
Te-Ariki Rau
Rau plays both bookends in this team. He uses his size and basketball background notably when shooting layups. On a hold, he is extremely difficult to move around.
Julius Johnson
JJ is a WA/ WD who leverages his energetic personality and muscular physique to build intense pressure on his opponents. JJ is extremely good at disrupting opposing plays and creating turnovers when his team need it most.
Miller Page
Page thrives as a C, WA, GA – he uses his exceptional vision to spot and capitalize on opportunities that others might miss. His ability to read the game and create unexpected plays makes him a pivotal player in the squad. Page is able to orchestrate attacking plays and then finishes them with precision. He is a beautiful player to watch.
Bode Pollard
Pollard has found his niche in the WD position. He is able to shut down the opposition’s plays as he builds pressure to then take the intercept. He is always seeking feedback and looking for ways to improve – a coach’s dream player.
Daniel Statton
Statton is an exceptional C, WD, GD renowned by his impressive vertical leap, powerful passing, and unparalleled court vision. His leadership and ability to identify and exploit open options make him a game-changer, which elevates both his own performance and that of his team. The teen has recently been announced in the 2024 Australian Men’s U20 team that travels to Singapore in December. He is one to keep your eye on in the years to come.
Timoci Tavanavanua
Tavanavanua is a GD/ GK who’s basketball background makes him an asset to the team in defence, where his footwork and skill wins ball. His improvement over the training camp has been next to none, coach Jess Price eager to see how much he continues to grow and develop in the months/ years to come.
Kobe Webster
Webster is a smart netballer. Playing across GA, GS and GD – he knows where the ball is and he wants it. He plays with dominance in the goal circle, regardless of his bib. He has the ability to create an attacking play from just ball movement itself; which is such an asset in someone so young.
Dom Schafer
Schafer is the ‘tall timber’ who feels right at home in the GS position. Although new to netball, his ability to make an impact in the shooting circle and adapt quickly to the game, shows great promise for his future in the sport.
UNDER-19 GIRLS
Ella McCartney
GA GS
A year 12 student from Brisbane. McCartney is versatile with her movement and sweeps wide through the circle to obtain good position for her long shots which are very accurate.
Summer Laurie
GA GS
A year 11 student from Rockhampton. Laurie is quick to move in the circle and uses her speed to her advantage. She is accurate with shooting and takes front possession most times.
Katelyn Relf
GS GK
A year 12 student from Hervey Bay. She has converted from defence to shooting. Relf uses her height to her advantage and takes possession of most high balls. Her accuracy is very high and she is a quick learner.
Ellie-Mai Brandenburg
WA C WD
A year 12 student from Rockhampton. Brandenburg is very fast and changes direction instantly. Her passes are accurate and strong and she puts balls through gaps that barely exist.
Mahlia Henare
C WD
A year 11 student from Brisbane. She is lightning quick down the court and her passes are like rockets. Henare’s defence skills are valuable, and she has many turnovers in the centre court area.
Sonny Ragget
C WD
A year 11 student from Townsville. Ragget has changed positions from shooting to centre court and uses her athleticism to her advantage. She is quick down the court and turns the ball in defence.
Ciarn MacBride
GK GD
A year 10 student from Cairns who has quick reactions and turns the ball over regularly. She is unpredictable and gets her hands on balls that appear to be unreachable.
Charlotte Jonsen
GK GD
A year 12 student from Cairns. A highly skilled defence player who has quick feet and reads the play well. Jonsen is tall and uses her height to consistently take intercepts.
Paige Jones
GD WD
A year 12 student from Rockhampton. Jones has quick reactions and is a tough and competitive player. She attacks the ball to gain possession and is supportive of her teammates.
UNDER-15 BOYS
Kaed Alloway
GS, GK
Tall and strong, the versatile keeper-shooter prefers the latter but shine in both. He is highly accurate under the post with a developing moving game as his resume grows.
Lachlan Brandon
C, WA
The most experienced player on the team, Brandon boasts an amazing grasp of the basics which he continues to develop on. He is creative, smart and arguably the glue for any team he plays on.
Fletcher Jenkinson
GD, WD, C
Jenkinson is on the younger side of his peers with massive promise as a versatile athlete. He is a great linking player with good defensive instincts.
Benjamin Duck
GD, WD, C
A strong and physical player who utilises his AFL background to great advantage. Duck isn’t the biggest big talker, but his game speaks volumes.
Jai Kelly
GS, GA, GK
The youngest member of the team, Kelly offers huge potential. He is dynamic, powerful and smart - no doubt the making of a future senior Queensland player in years to come.
Lachlan Knowlton
C, WA, WD
Speed and agility are an asset for Knowlton. He’s not the tallest, but makes up for that in skill, effort and most importantly determination.
Wyatt Robberts
GS, GA, WA
If he gets the ball in the circle, you can trust Robbers to take the shot - and rarely miss the mark. He is a good mover with a creative brain.
Braith Stower
GA, WA, GA
Stower has the basics locked down, with a good netball brain and excellent teammate mentialty. he is a lethal left-handed shooter.
Declan Todd
GK, GD, WD
A hunter in defence, Todd has the ability to read the play and earn the intercept. he works hard for his teammates every minute.
Caidyn Macdonald
GA, WA, C
Just as impressive as his mullet, Macdonald boasts an accurate long shot. He has been playing for years and the experience shows.
Austin Henry
GK, GD
A tall timber player with great instincts, Henry is as good in the air as he is on the ground - showing huge potential in the game.
Matthew Ivison
GD, WD
Works hard for his teammates. Does a lot of the dirty work for his team. Rangy defender who reads the game well.
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