Swifts, Giants to play majority of Super Netball in Queensland

It’s the question on the lips of every NSW netball fan. Will they actually get to see the NSW Swifts and Giants live in action this Super Netball season?

Swifts players celebrate winning the Super Netball season decider last year.

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The NSW Swifts and Giants are joining teams from Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth in a Queensland hub to ensure the Super Netball competition is able to kick off on August 1.

The backing of the Queensland government will see the majority of the season - including the entire finals series - played across Queensland.

The Swifts are, however, still hopeful they may still be able to play in front of their local fans at least once, if not more, during the COVID-19 affected season.

NSW fans are some of the loudest and proudest in netball but the decision to schedule a match at the new Ken Rosewall Arena at Sydney Olympic Park will be dependant on border restrictions and health advice.

Paige Hadley of the Swifts celebrates winning the Super Netball Grand Final match between the Sunshine Coast Lightning and Swifts last year.

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Queensland is now housing the majority of elite athletes across numerous codes due to the coronavirus pandemic with the majority of Super Netball to be played in Brisbane, at the University of the Sunshine Coast Stadium and in regional Queensland.

Swifts coach Briony Akle said her side is ready for the relocation and the start of their title defence.

“There’s no question that we’d love to be playing in front of our own fans every week but I know they’ll be supporting us wherever we are and we can’t wait to see them when we do get to play at home,’’ she said.

“I think last year’s campaign threw so many curve-balls at us that we are pretty good at dealing with them and this is just another challenge we have to overcome.

Helen Housby from England and Sam Wallace from Trinidad live together in Sydney but will now move to Queensland.

“When you see what’s been going on around the world, getting the league up and running this year is a huge achievement and our players are ready to hit the court.

“We have very fond memories of our last trip to Queensland and we know it’s a place we can go and be successful.’’

Originally published as Swifts, Giants to play majority of Super Netball in Queensland