Rising stars: 40+ Netball NSW Junior State Titles Championship division players to watch
From fierce defenders to electric shooters, these 40+ junior netballers are among the best heading into the championship divisions at this weekend’s NSW Junior State Titles.
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There’s fierce defenders, electric attackers and everybody in between ahead of the 2025 edition of the NSW Netball Junior State Titles.
With elite young guns set to feature in the championship divisions, we look at 40+ stars to watch this weekend:
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UNDER 12s
Nora Valentine – GA/GD
Blacktown
Nora is the youngest of three talented sisters who have all come through the BCNA reps. Having spent much of her early years on the sideline watching and learning from her sisters, she’s developed a strong netball IQ. With dedication and focus, Nora is a player who will thrive in this space.
Adi Alisi Tikotikoca – GD/GK
Blacktown
Adi was first identified during a club game as a player with raw potential. Since then, her development over two years in the rep program has exceeded all expectations. She’ll be debuting at her first states. The club is excited to see her put this into practice.
Amali Pulini - C/WA
Randwick
A mid-courter who is a backbone of the team who effortlessly translates from defence to attack and vice versa. She’s a clever decision-maker with great vision who plays a calm and steady game.
Charli Roussos - WD/C
Randwick
A specialist wing defence who can cover at centre, Charli boasts super-fast closing foot speed. Seen as an intercept queen for Randwick, she brings lots of spark and energy to the U12s team.
Alexia Coburn - GD/WD
Randwick
Alexia is an extremely fit workhorse, playing as hard in the first minute as she does in the last. She brings a tenacious ability on defence and is an integral part of the team who thrives under pressure.
Ella Kearney, Milla Stewart and Olivia Daniel
Wyong
These three players have all successfully made NSW primary school championship teams over the course of their netball journey. Ella is a goal shooter who was selected in the POlding team, while Sydney North representatives Milla and Olivia are strong in goal defence and goal keeper respectively. All three are exemplary members of the U12s team and will be an asset at the states.
Maliyah Niumata - GA/C/GD
Liverpool City
Maliyah has a strong team first mentality who plays whatever position the team needs from her. Her reliable shot, dynamic moves through the mid court and relentless defence makes her the ultimate team package. Her teammates look to her for her mature leadership skills and lift around her high energy and positivity.
Sabella Whelan - GD/GK
Penrith
The Penrith young gun excels in intercepting passes and disrupting the play of the opposition. Always composed, Sabella is a vital player in high-pressure situations leading the way also as the team’s captain.
Hallie Hancock - GD/GK
Newcastle
Captain of the team, Hallie is an exciting young talent who leads by example. With a towering presence, great agility and impressive game smarts, Hallie is able to disrupt any opposition and win ball for her team. Hallie will also star in the Hunter PSSA netball team at state champs for the second year in a row.
Evie Gilmour - GA/WA/C
Newcastle
Boasting skills and courtcraft beyond her years, Evie is the vice-captain of Newcastle. Evie’s ability to effortlessly slip between shooting and mid court positions allow her to make a huge impact in any game, whether on the scoreboard or through pinpoint passes to her teammates. Evie is also playing alongside Hallie in the Hunter PSSA netball team for the second time.
Grace Behrens - C/WA
Baulkham Hills
Grace is an athletic, skilful and talented mid-courter who always plays with determination and a will to win. Has the ability to play strongly at centre or wing attack, providing valuable versatility for Baulkham Hills.
Isla McLeod - GS/GA
Baulkham Hills
Isla is a strong and skilful shooter who rips the ball out of the air to put a shot up, giving her mid-courters a great target to aim at in the forward circle. She is accurate, reliable and always gives her all.
UNDER 13s
Arieta Maafu – GK
Blacktown
Arieta has risen through her club’s junior ranks and has spent the last two years learning and growing within the representative program. She’s still developing and quite raw in areas, but her natural talent and defensive instincts are shining through.
Innez Church-Paualasia – GS/GA
Blacktown
Innez has been competing above her age group since she was eight, playing in a club team with teammates two and three years older. Her netball brain is exceptional, making her an invaluable asset on court.
Marcienne Steyn – GA/WA
Blacktown
Marcienne is a quiet achiever, doing so much work off the ball that influences the flow of the game in significant ways. Her love of the sport is unmatched. She’s always seeking extra training and opportunities to refine her skills.
Akira Aronstan - C/WA/WD
Randwick
Kiki is a tenacious netballer with speed to burn and footwork as sharp as a diamond. Versatile and agile, she moves across the court with ease, and has the ability to fill in a number of positions.
Chloe Tessier - GA/GS
Randwick
Chloe works hard and you can see how confident she is on court. A player who absorbs information and demonstrates how hard work pays off. A netballer with immense talent and a key player in the Randwick team.
India-Jane Jowett - GK/GD
Randwick
India is developing into a key team member. She is strong over the ball and takes a high ball like a pro. Her transition to the goal defence position makes her a double threat wherever she is needed on the court.
Kyra Dean - GA
Wyong
A very versatile and talented player for Wyong, Kyra has been able to make the transition from goal defence to goal attack.
Makenzie Buckland - GK
Wyong
Makenzie is tall and athletic. The goal keeper and co-captain of the Wyong side has shifted from goal attack to a more defensive role.
Darcie Beitz - C
Wyong
A talented all-rounder in the Wyong group who will do whatever is asked of her. Most likely to play centre and use her blistering pace.
Lily Graham - GD/GK
Newcastle
Lily is a passionate player with great elevation and speed on transition. She is a supportive teammate who lifts her team in those important moments.
Zali Shepherd - GA/GS
Newcastle
Zali has been working hard this season to be consistent on her shooting and connecting with her other shooters. With a high accuracy on the shot and great transitional defence, she has cemented her place in the team.
Lily Petersen - WA/C
Newcastle
Lily is new to the team this year but has embraced every chance to grow and make an impact. A quiet achiever with great timing and court awareness.
Umusaga (Angel) Sega - GA/GS
Liverpool City
Umusaga is a very honest athlete who gives 100 per cent at all times. She fiercely encourages her team and lives up to her nickname of Angel with her power to lift the team spirits in adversity - her resilience for a young player is outstanding. Umusaga is an incredibly humble athlete who will not go down without a hard fight on court.
Mariah Matakaiongo - GA/WA
Penrith
A true leader on and off the court, Mariah brings netball smarts and bravery to every game. Mariah’s decision making, fierce determination and a deep understanding of the game allows her to lead the time by example and always put her best food forward for the team. Mariah was also chosen as vice-captain.
Charlotte Blackman - C/WA
Baulkham Hills
Charlotte is a standout leader who consistently leads by example, giving 100 per cent every time she steps on court. Her relentless work ethic and commitment make her an inspiring captain and a key asset to the team.
Ella D’Souza- GK/GD
Baulkham Hills
Ella brings unmatched height and energy to the game, with a long reach that makes her unmissable on court. Her presence lifts the intensity of play, and she’s always ready to contest every ball.
UNDER 14s
Marissa Psarros - C/WA
St George
As a smaller and zippy midcourt, Marissa uses this to her advantage to provide excellent feeds into circle and burn her opponents with her speed. She has good elevation and often can make the most challenging plays look effortless.
Alexis Leuluai - GA/GD
St George
As a player who goes between both ends, she has the ability to turn attack in defence by using these traits to her advantage. As one of the tallest in this team, she is able to get great hands over pressure and force shooters out of their comfort zone.
Kayla Sly - Midcourt
St George
Kayla has the ability to fill in a number of the mid-court roles, making her a valuable asset to a rising St George team.
Ana Sue Delana – GD/GA
Blacktown
Ana is a natural athlete who excels in any sport she picks up. Her ability to read the play and create game-changing intercepts makes her a standout player. Though she may be smaller in stature, her presence on court is commanding. If she chooses to continue with netball, she is definitely one to watch.
Zoe Banks – GS / GK
Blacktown
Zoe transitioned from a defensive position to goal shooter last year — a significant shift that requires resilience and determination. She has actively sought out extra coaching and game time to fast-track her development. Now heading into her second states as a shooter, she brings experience, commitment, and new-found confidence to the role.
Sadie Eisenhauer - GD/GK
Randwick
Lifts the team spirit and keeps the energy high. On the court, her fast footwork has taken her defensive ability to a new level. Her tenacity and sharpness make her a constant threat to opponents. She is also impressively consistent, a skill that’s rare at such a young age.
Awen Hiroti - WD/C
Randwick
Is the most fearless and ferocious leader on and off the court. Her ability to shut down a midcourt is beyond her years - a very talented athlete with incredible elevation, her vertical jump is something to look out for. She will always back her teammates and do everything for her team
Emelia Collard - WA/GA
Wyong
Emelia is a calm and steady player who makes strong, clear leads and feeds the circle with precision. She is a supportive teammate and is a wonderful student of the game. This will be her first junior states and Wyong can’t wait to see what she can do
Annie Webber - GS/GK
Wyong
Annie is a powerhouse at both ends of the court. She sets up a strong hold in the shooting circle and is a dynamic force when playing keeper. Annie improves with every game she plays. The more she believes in herself, the better she gets.
Aliyah Siaki - GA/GS
Liverpool City
Aliyah is the team’s captain who leads by example and is always respectful of her teammates and opponents. She is a player that everyone looks up to, and the team lifts when she is on the court. Her shot accuracy and ability to present easily in the circle make her a force to be reckoned with.
Kimberley Nikua - GK/GD
Penrith
Kimberley brings grit, determination, and sharp defensive skills, using her elevation and quick footwork to shut down the opposition. Always smiling and leading by example, she’s a key part of our defensive unit and a true team player.
Felicity Smythe - WD/C/WA
Baulkham Hills
Felicity is a natural leader and true team player. She brings her best every time she steps on court and never hesitates to do whatever is asked of her. Felicity leads by example, consistently giving 110 per cent and inspiring those around her. Her positive attitude both on and off the court makes her an invaluable part of the team.
Zahra Calder - C/WA
Baulkham Hills
Zahra is a quiet achiever of the team. She lets her actions do the talking with phenomenal speed and amazing agility, she’s a true pocket rocket. Her ability to read the game, react quickly and work relentlessly in defence makes her a constant threat and a key contributor in every match.
Lily Haynes - GA/GS
Baulkham Hills
Lily has stepped into her first year of reps this year and has shown incredible growth this season. Having only started playing shooter in the past 12 months, her progress has been nothing short of impressive. She always gives her best and consistently applies what we work on at training. It’s exciting to watch her confidence and skill grow each time she takes the court.
*All clubs with championship teams were contacted
Originally published as Rising stars: 40+ Netball NSW Junior State Titles Championship division players to watch
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