Super Netball: Queensland Firebirds add another international to their roster after signing England mid-courter Imogen Allison

The Queensland Firebirds have added another international to their Super Netball ranks as new coach Kiri Wills moves swiftly to finalise her list.

Queensland Firebirds have added another international to their Super Netball roster, signing English midcourter Imogen Allison as new coach Kiri Wills moves swiftly to finalise her list.

Just days after the Firebirds announced the signing of Ugandan goal shooter Mary Cholhok as the replacement for Donnell Wallam, Allison’s move to Super Netball was confirmed on a two-year deal.

The 26-year-old Roses star fills the midcourt vacancy left after the retirement of captain Kim Ravaillion.

A member of the English team since 2020, with 43 Test caps to her name, Allison will be making her first foray into Super Netball after playing all of her career to date in the UK.

She has played with the Yorkshire Jets, Team Bath and, most recently, Manchester Thunder in the English Super League.

Allison, who was a part of the Roses’ team which took silver at last year’s World Cup, said she had always harboured an ambition to play in the Super Netball league.

“I’ve always enjoyed watching SSN and hoped to get the opportunity to play in it,” Allison said.

Imogen Allison during last year’s Netball World Cup. Picture: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images/Netball World Cup 2023 via Getty Images

“I’m at the point in my career where I feel like I’ll really benefit from experiencing different styles of play in the Australian league and also with a bit of a Kiwi style playing under Kiri.

“I’m most looking forward to meeting my teammates and getting to know them on and off the court. I’m also looking forward to getting to know Brisbane. I’ve only been once and I loved the city so I’m excited to explore more.”

Wills, who has joined the Firebirds after coaching in New Zealand’s ANZ Premiership, said Allison had “great physical attributes” which would suit her in Super Netball.

“Her quick feet, agility and timing ensures she provides a body-on-body defensive threat but can also come away from the body to secure loose ball or force a turnover,” Wills said.

Allison makes the move from Manchester Thunder to Queensland Firebirds. Picture: Matt McNulty/Getty Images for England Netball

“She has also proven her leadership credentials with Bath, adding to a midcourt pool that already includes Lara Dunkley, Tonga captain Hulita Veve and our recently crowned MVP in Macy Gardner.

“I’m beyond excited to see the impact Imogen can have in Australia and I know she’ll be a favourite of our fans in no time.”

The Firebirds signed the 201cm Cholhok, 27, on a multi-year deal after her six seasons with Super League club Loughborough Lightning where she scored a league-high

975 goals this year.

Cholhok has represented Uganda in the last two World Cup campaigns, helping the She Cranes to fifth place in South Africa last year.

The Firebirds have one final contracted position to fill on their list for 2025.

Originally published as Super Netball: Queensland Firebirds add another international to their roster after signing England mid-courter Imogen Allison