New South Wales unveils U19s team with sights set on history at Netball Nationals in April
New South Wales is chasing history in 2026 as it looks to claim its third-straight U19s Netball Nationals crown. See the 12-player squad named to take on the best in Australia.
New South Wales has long dominated the U19s Netball National Championships as they chase down a hat-trick in 2026.
Their first step towards cementing their dominance of the division came today with the unveiling of the 12-player squad looking to defend home court in April.
Sydney’s Netball Central will play host to the week-long tournament (10-16 April) and coach Amber Cross believes they have the squad that can get the job done once again.
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“Every year it’s about trying to find a team that’s well balanced with lots of adaptability and versatility,” she said.
“We can’t just rely on seven players. We need to rely on 12 really talented players to get through the tournament.
“We’ll come up against a lot of different styles, and having that depth means we can adapt to those.”
While Cross is expecting opposition teams to mix it up, she remains confident in their style of play being conducive to success.
“We call it the ‘Waratah Way’,” she said.
“It’s similar to the Diamonds with that signature style of hard, grinding one-on-one defence. We like to be dynamic in attack and confident to go to the post with our shooters.
“Those three things characterise the Waratah Way, mixed in with a bit of creativity and flair.”
The squad will go into camp before December, before returning in late January for an intense 12-week training period and simulation camp prior to the start of the nationals on 10 April.
No state/territory has completed a hat-trick of U19s championships since Victoria from 2016-18.
This is NSW’s second attempt at completing three wins in succession, after winning the double in 2008-09, before just falling short against Queensland in 2010.
NSW U19s TEAM
Ellie Hart - Shooter - Campbelltown District
Evie Economou - Mid Court - Sutherland Shire
Harlym Jennings - Defence - Liverpool City
Isabella Maher - Mid Court - Sutherland Shire
Isla Waterhouse - Defence - Illawarra District
Kelis Ogle - Defence - Liverpool City
Marley Aplin - Mid Court - Orange
Matilda Fanning - Mid Court - Sutherland Shire
Matilda Percival - Shooter - Newcastle
Paige O’Neill - Defence - Eastwood Ryde
Skye Thompson - Shooter - Sutherland Shire
Sophia Martinussen - Shooter - Eastwood Ryde
Originally published as New South Wales unveils U19s team with sights set on history at Netball Nationals in April
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