Penrith’s Paige Hadley thrilled to be playing for Diamonds against All-Stars

It is expected to be one of the closest netball encounters this season. So could the Diamonds v Super Netball All-Stars become a regular event?

Paige Hadley and Caitlin Bassett will represent Australia against the All-Stars in the exhibition match between the Diamonds and All Stars to raise funds for bushfire relief.

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Penrith’s Paige Hadley would love to see the upcoming match between Australia and the Super Netball All-Stars team become a regular event on the netball calendar.

The match between the Diamonds and an international composite team made up of Super netball players will be used to raise money for bushfire relief.

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“To have the best players in the world playing against each other, that would be awesome,’’ said the Swifts midcourter named in the Australian team for the Sydney match in March.

“It would be great if we could fit it in the schedule. It would be really awesome.’’

Netball Australia is holding an exhibition match between the Diamonds and All Stars to raise funds for bushfire relief. From left: Jo Harten, Helen Housby, Paige Hadley and Caitlin Bassett.

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The star-studded showdown is charity match will be staged at Qudos Bank Arena on March 1.

The match will mark the farewell of long-serving Australian coach Lisa Alexander.

Alexander, who has coached 102 tests for Australia and boasts an extraordinary 81 per cent winning record, will then part ways with Netball Australia after nine ears after the board chose not to renew her contract.

“We want to send her out on a high note,’’ Hadley said.

“It is always special to play in the green and gold, especially in Sydney. and it’s for a great cause.

“The All-Stars are a phenomenal side. They will be tough to beat.

“But we are No.1 in the world for a reason and we don’t like losing.’’

Paige Hadley and Swifts coach Briony Akle who will lead the All-Stars.

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Other NSW players in the Australian team for the match are Australian captain Caitlin Bassett, Kiera Austin, Sarah Klau, Jamie-Lee Price and Maddy Turner.

The All-Star teams boast NSW Swifts and England internationals Helen Housby and Nat Haythornthwaite along with Sam Wallace (Swifts) and Jo Harten and Kristiana Man’ua (Giants).

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