Courtney Napper to captain Capricorn Claws in 2025 Ruby North comp

Ahead of their first game in the Ruby North competition, the Capricorn Claws netball team have named their captain and revealed a 12-player squad with a further nine training partners. See the full squad here.

Courtney Napper will captain the Capricorn Claws in the 2025 Ruby North season.

Courtney Napper is “super-excited” to play a leading role in the new era of the Capricorn Claws.

The experienced mid-courter will captain the team, which makes its return to elite level netball in the newly established Ruby North competition this year.

She is no stranger to the role, having held it in 2017 during her previous stint with the Claws, who were last on court in 2019 in the Queensland Premier League.

“I’m really honoured and privileged to be in that role and to lead such an inspired and passionate squad,” she said of her recent appointment.

“I’m excited to see what this year will bring and to set the platform for future years.

Courtney Wheeler (now Napper) on court in her first stint with the Capricorn Claws.

“I do love being someone who brings energy, intent and focus to the team.”

Napper (nee Wheeler) said she was keen to be a mentor for the squad, alongside vice-captain Bridget Fletcher.

Claws’ coach Anna Young has named a 12-member team, as well as nine training partners for the season (see below).

She said Napper was a “natural choice” for the captaincy, bringing strong leadership, experience and a competitive edge, as well as the ability to inspire those around her.

And the skipper is ready to do just that.

“While I’ve cherished every year I’ve played with the Claws, I’m really looking forward to this one, setting the benchmark and showing the way,” Napper said.

Claws’ coach Anna Young.

“Winning will be a bonus but I think success for us will be about building the standards and values in the squad, and establishing a bit of a brand for the netball that we play.

“This year will be about gelling as a team and focusing on the next man-up mentality.”

The Claws will open their campaign at Rockhampton’s CQUniversity on May 24 and 25, taking on the Far North Flames, Townsville and the Mackay Monarchs in the four-way competition.

Napper said it would be fantastic for the Claws to make their long-awaited return in front of a home game, with the opening games sure to “set the tone” for the season.

Players at the final Claws trial in Rockhampton.

She said the depth and talent in the squad was incredible, from young mid-courter Charlotte Thomas to the defensive duo of Madi Day and Abbie Buchholz and the experienced Kerrie Williams and Kira-Lee Nicol.

“Everyone has really put in this pre-season,” she said.

“We’ve got some good combinations as well as individuals in the team.”

Napper said the squad had gained so much from coach Young, who was also a former Claws player.

“We all have the highest level of respect for Anna,” she said.

“Her ability to get the best out of people is second to none, and her commitment and professionalism is something everyone wants to be a part of.”

Capricorn Claws 2025 squad

Team: Kaylee Acton, Ellie-Mai Brandenberg, Abbie Buchholz, Madison Day, Jaya Dyne, Bridget Fletcher, Bianca Gibson, Courtney Napper (captain), Kira-Lee Nicol, Taylah Steger, Charlotte Thomas, Kerrie Williams.

Training partners: Lily Allen, Eve Collins, Georgia Hanrahan, Chloe Killalea, Summer Laurie, Tessa Manning, Louise Ryan Adah Shepherd, Lara Steer.

Originally published as Courtney Napper to captain Capricorn Claws in 2025 Ruby North comp