Waratahs recruit and former Queensland Firebirds star Peta Stephens: ‘We’re finding form’ ahead of Darwin Netball Premier League clash v Banks Bulldogs
FORMER Queensland Firebirds star Peta Stephens believes Waratahs are just starting to find their groove in the Darwin Netball Premier League. Which means the team should be competitive against a star-studded Banks outfit in Round 3 action at Marrara on Thursday night.
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FORMER Queensland Firebirds star Peta Stephens believes Waratahs are just starting to find their groove in the Darwin Netball Premier League.
Which means the team should be competitive against a star-studded Banks outfit in Round 3 action at Marrara on Thursday night.
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Banks are fresh from an impressive 41-37 win over reigning champions Pints last week.
But Waratahs also pushed a strong Tracy Village outfit, losing 38-31.
Stephens’ presence at goalkeeper in that game – albeit a limited one – would have lifted her teammates.
That is because she had a 14-year professional netball career, including captaining the Firebirds from 2006 to 2009.
Stephens played alongside stars Laura Geitz and Romelda Aiken while at powerhouse franchise the Firebirds.
And she likes what she has seen so far at her new red-and-white team.
“Sarrita King has been very solid in the centre of the court – she’s been a standout for us,” Stephens said.
“And our defensive players have been really strong and getting good things done.”
Stephens, 42, said she will take some time to find her form again in the Top End.
“I did a calf injury in the first quarter last week. It was probably to be expected given it’s been 11 years (since she played her last game at Suncorp Super Netball level) and seeing I didn’t have a pre-season,” she said.
“I don’t want to call it a full comeback, but I am available for Waratahs.
“I moved up to Darwin with my partner (ABC commentator) Shannon Byrne in August 2019 and she’s played football and netball for them.
“So that was the only club I could choose to play for.
“I’m loving it in Darwin, and it’s been the place to be for the past 12 months.”
Stephens had a brilliant career at Australia’s top level of netball.
“One of my career highlights was when we had Vikki Wilson come and coach us at the Firebirds from 2005 after we were previously languishing down the bottom of the ladder,” she said.
“I was there when (Firebirds legends) Laura Geitz and Romelda Aiken started out, and I was the goalkeeper.
“Romelda was just 17 at the time, and look at her now. She’s one of the standouts of the competition in her 30s.”
In the two other Round 3 clashes, Nigthcliff will take on Tracy Village and Pints will face Hoggies.
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