Sapphire Series R9 live stream: Bond Uni Bull Sharks v Gold Coast Titans, Cougars v Thunder

The ACU Brisbane Cougars have welcomed a huge win, but it wasn’t that easy for the Bull Sharks, who were made work all the way for theirs. Check out the full REPLAYS of both games.

Bond Uni Bull Sharks have emerged as one-point victors in a thrilling contest with the Gold Coast Titans in the Sapphire Netball Series.

The win followed up their dramatic two-goal win over the Titans in round 2 and could be just the firestarter they need to get their campaign back on track.

The Bulls now have a 4-2-1 (win-loss-draw) record, plus two byes as they push hard to improve their position on the table.

The 51-50 result was extra nasty for the Titans, who blew an opportunity to go equal top with the Jets.

In the late game, The ACU Brisbane North Cougars were far too strong for a massively depleted Sunshine Coast Thunder.

The 70-33 was a total blowout but not expected considering the volumne of Thunder players unavailable.

REPLAYS

ACU Brisbane Cougars v Sunshine Coast Thunder

Watch the full replay in the window above.

Bond Uni Bull Sharks v Gold Coast Titans

The Bull Sharks took the first Coast Clash of 2024 in a thriller back in April.

But, look out, the Titans have a secret weapon this time around.

Gold Coast and Bond University clash in the first of two big Sapphire Series games on Saturday LIVE and EXCLUSIVE on KommunityTV from 4pm at Nissan Arena.

Fifth place ACU Brisbane Cougars face third place Sunshine Coast Thunder in the later game at 6pm.

Check out the full LIVE STREAM schedule below.

The Titans, who have won four of five since that round two defeat, will unleash Queensland’s newest Firebird Jessica Milne, who is still riding high after last weekend’s Suncorp Super Netball debut against the Adelaide Thunderbirds.

A versatile wing defence/goal defence, Milne bypassed training partner Lillyana Rennie and became Firebird 111 in her side’s 10-goal win over the reigning premier, Thunderbirds, at home.

Jess Milne has had a whirlwind couple of weeks.

She came off the bench in the final quarter, notching up a quick five Nissan Net Points in her debut in front of friends and family.

The 23-year-old made history in that moment, becoming the first Gold Coast Titan to make a Super Netball debut since the franchise’s inaugural year in 2022.

“(I’m) still pinching myself to be honest, but it felt really good to just get there and get ball in hand straight away,” she said.

“The girls just made me feel so comfortable out there as well.”

There was no rest for Milne either, having to back-up and play for the Firebirds Reserves that same night.

“I guess the adrenaline was still pumping,” she said.

“I had a chance to sit down and catch my breath, then straight back on.”

Milne’s journey over the past five years has been an orthodox one in the eyes of netball pathways, at one point giving up the sport to focus on university.

“It’s been a pretty unique journey, I think... different from a lot of people,” she said.

Milne is likely to mark Super Shot expert Mia Stower.

“There were a lot of teams I made growing up, but even more that I didn't make.

“I think that just made me hungrier.

Two weeks after giving netball the flick to prioritise study, Milne found herself bored, and took up mixed social indoor to fill the gap.

It was there where she and current Sapphire Series assistant coach Victor Potaka, who pulled her aside and convinced the defender to trial for representative once again.

“(It’s) a bit of a full circle moment,” she said.

Milne said it has been a pleasure for the past three years to be coached by Potaka and Titans head coach Temepara Bailey in Sapphire Series.

And with a Firebirds cap now to her name, the star is ready to face Bond once again.

The Bull Sharks walked away with a dramatic two-goal win over the Titans in round 2, but in the seven games since, both teams have experienced upsets and excitement in the incredibly close competition.

Bull Sharks sit fourth on the ladder with a 3-2-1 (win-loss-draw) record and two byes, while Titans sit in second with a 5-2 record and just a single bye.

The match-up is expected to be tight, with Milne likely to play against former Firebird and Super Shot expert Mia Stower.

If the Titans grab a win on Saturday, they will not only level the rivalry at 1-1, but will also sit on equal points with the ladder leading Jets - who have a bye this weekend.

If the result goes other way, Titans will either hold their place at second or drop to third - pending the result between Thunder and Cougars - though the Bull Sharks’ 18 points will not be enough to jump out of fourth.

Originally published as Sapphire Series R9 live stream: Bond Uni Bull Sharks v Gold Coast Titans, Cougars v Thunder