Bull Sharks sign QLD Firebird, Stower trio united as Bond University announce 2024 HART Sapphire Series squad

A family trio of mum and two daughters are among the talent lining up for the Bond University Bull Sharks HART Sapphire squad in 2024. Full details inside plus squad announcement:

A family trio of mum and two daughters are among the talent lining up for the Bond University Bull Sharks HART Sapphire squad in 2024.

Returning head coach Bec Stower will oversee a side featuring Queensland Firebird daughter Mia Stower and her younger sister Evie who has earned a place in the senior side after time in the Bull Sharks development squad.

Mia joins the ranks after 23 Suncorp Super Netball games in the purple dress.

Mia Stower signs with the Bond University Bull Sharks for the 2024 HART Sapphire Series

A court-smart and agile goal attack with a knack for accurate long-range shooting, her arrival comes at a perfect time as HSS introduces the super shot into both Ruby and Sapphire for 2024.

Evie has emerged from the 2023 Bond Bull Sharks Development Squad to earn a place alongside her big sis on the playing roster.

Evie Stower for Darling Downs against Sunshine coast in Queensland School Sport 13-15 Years Girls Netball championships at The clive Berghofer Sports centre, The Glennie School, Friday, May 6, 2022. Picture: Kevin Farmer

The Bull Sharks’ midcourt will be bolstered by two new additions from north and south.

A strong and skillful Jayden Molo joins Bond after a lengthy apprenticeship at the Brisbane North Cougars, offering experience from her years of the Queensland U17 and U19 pathways.

Meanwhile, Tully-raised Queensland pathways project Sasha-May Flegler offers extraordinary athleticism and versatility to Bond’s strengthened mid-court group.

Townsville Grammar School netball star Sasha-May Flegler is flying to Trinidad and Tobago to join the Australian netball team for the 2023 Youth Commonwealth Games. Picture: Julie Plath / Townsville Grammar School

The highly touted teenager represented Australia in Fast5 netball at the 2023 Youth Commonwealth Games.

Also making the jump from the Cougars talent factory is Lauren Aubrey.

Off-court, a number of Bull Sharks will be hitting the books at Bond including: Queensland U19 representative Kaylin van Greunen (Bachelor of Health Sciences) and former Gold Coast Titan Charli Pearse (Bachelor of Actuarial Science).

Bond University Netball Operations Manager Kim Boland said she is thrilled at how the squad has come together.

“We were so excited by the amount of interest we had locally and from interstate from trialists ahead of the 2024 season.

“I think those who registered probably saw a well-organised and passionate franchise and a happy, hungry playing group and they wanted to be a part of it,” she said.

“Returning players have had to work extremely hard to retain their positions, and our new arrivals are super exciting.

“Mia Stower delivers so much skill, capability and experience and Jayden Molo is such an impressive competitor.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 19: Donnell Wallam of the Firebirds speaks with Lara Dunkley and Mia Stower of the Firebirds during the round one Super Netball match between Queensland Firebirds and Adelaide Thunderbirds at Nissan Arena, on March 19, 2023, in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Matt Roberts/Getty Images)

“We are absolutely rapt to be giving Sasha May-Flegler an opportunity ... she is an incredible young athlete with an outstanding work ethic.”

Rounding out the new arrivals interstate stars Chanelle Byers (Tasmania) and Sophie Westover (South Australia).

Spring-legged defensive utility and 2023 Fijian World Cup squad member Naviniya Sivo will take the court for Bond after a stint at the Carina Leagues Club Tigers.

Last year’s Sapphire team captain, Hannah Le Sage will be joined by fellow returning shooters Abby Boland, Jorja Gisinger and Elka Macaulay.

Hannah Le Sage shooter for Bond University Bull Sharks

Dakota Newson, who was recently announced as a Queensland U19 squad member, Joesi Gisinger, Ocean Karekare and last year’s Ruby captain Molly Parry are back.

Defenders Maddie Ryan, Ella Spencer, Abi Houston, Tehya Hyssett and Harriet Nicholson have also returned.

Young defenders Sienna Hyssett and Amelia Cotton have been invited to join the squad as training partners after representing Bond at the U16 State Titles in August.