Ciarn MacBride: The Far North dual-sport phenom on the rise
Booming Future Firebirds star faces tough choice between netball and rugby league. See Ciarn’s story here >>>
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Ciarn MacBride’s rise in netball has been nothing short of extraordinary.
The Far North Queensland athlete has emerged as a phenom defender, making almost every representative team at local and state levels — including the Queensland Under-17s, the Future Firebirds Academy, the Far North Flames and being identified as an emerging talent by Netball Australia.
Ciarn’s journey has seen her develop into one of the region’s brightest prospects, but not just in one code.
Her commitment to both netball and rugby league has been highlighted by Kym McPhee-Smith, her netball coach for the past three years.
“For a 16-year old from Far North Queensland, she’s got so much potential,” McPhee-Smith said.
“The fact she’s got that athletic performance across two different codes makes her phenomenal.”
Ciarn’s journey into netball began at the grassroots level with the ‘Net Set Go’ program.
At eight, she joined the Leprechauns Netball Club, initially planning to sign with Saints to join her three cousins.
However, the Saints team was already full, so she moved to Leps, who have been supportive throughout her career.
“They’ve supported me all the way,” MacBride said.
“I don’t think I would have come this far without them.”
Starting as a goal shooter, she soon switched to defence and never looked back.
“I find it more exciting than shooting,” she said.
“When I transitioned to defence, it felt like I was starting netball all over again. I fell in love with the sport again. There’s more excitement in intercepting.”
Now standing at 186cm (6ft 1in) and known for her excellent skills and versatility as a goal defender and goal keeper, Ciarn’s efforts helped her team come agonisingly close to winning the 2024 Premier League grand final, losing by only one point to the Sharks.
Ciarn and fellow defender Charlotte Jonsen delivered a stellar defensive performance, with the teenage twin towers shutting down the Sharks multiple times.
“We’ve created a really tight bond,” MacBride said of their partnership.
However, with Charlotte recently moving to the south to join the Brisbane North Cougars, Ciarn faces the challenge of playing without her.
“It’s definitely going to be hard not playing with her and being in different teams. I’m definitely going to miss her.”
In addition to netball, Ciarn has been rising through the ranks in rugby league, where she represents the Northern Pride and is part of the under-17 team in the Harvey Norman competition.
The 16-year old also cited inaugural female Dally M Medal winner and former Australian Jillaroos representative Jenni-Sue Hoepper as an inspiration.
“I definitely look up to Jenni-Sue, she’s played at the highest level and she’s from here,” MacBride said.
“Having someone who’s played NRLW as your coach who’s also from the region, she’s very relatable and played at such a high level. Looking up to that, just pushes me to know that I’m capable of making a high-performance team.”
Hoepper, who coaches Ciarn’s rugby league team at Trinity Bay State High School, has nothing but praise for her.
“Amazing student to coach,” Hoepper said.
“I can’t fault her on anything. Very professional, carries herself well on and off the field. Very coachable, always giving 100 per cent. Puts her body on the line for her teammates. She’s soft-spoken but leads through her actions.”
Jenni-Sue also highlights Ciarn’s potential in rugby league, saying, “Sky is the limit for Ciarn. Her physique is perfect.”
As she looks ahead to her future, Ciarn finds herself at a crossroads, weighing her options between netball and rugby league.
With the Far North Flames offering her the opportunity to play at a professional level, it’s clear that the Flames are providing a vital platform for young athletes like Ciarn to showcase their talents.
“It’s pretty exciting having that regional series because I finally feel like Netball Queensland has realised how much talent is up here,” said Ciarn.
Whether Ciarn’s future lies in netball or rugby league, one thing is certain: her potential is limitless.
With the support of her coaches, teammates, and community, Ciarn is primed to make her mark on the sporting world.
As Hoepper aptly puts it, “(the) sky is the limit for Ciarn.”
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Originally published as Ciarn MacBride: The Far North dual-sport phenom on the rise
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