Liz Watson praises rising Sunshine Coast Lighting star Reilley Batcheldor

Australian Diamonds captain Liz Watson has highlighted a rising goal threat as a player to watch this Super Netball season while new Lightning recruit Kristiana Manu’a is ready to fire on home court.

Sunshine Coast Lightning stars, Reilley Batcheldor, Ashleigh Ervin, Liz Watson and Kristiana Manu’a. Picture: Patrick Woods.

The Sunshine Coast Lightning will begin their 2025 home court campaign this weekend when they take on the West Coast Fever in round two of the Super Netball.

The Lightning scored a 10-point win over the Melbourne Mavericks in week one which was also a milestone 150 game achievement for midcourter Liz Watson.

The 31-year-old said it was the perfect fit to play on the same court where she made her debut.

“Being in Melbourne it was nice to see my family and friends and being back to where it all started,” she said.

“Everyone has made it feel really special like the Lightning, the Vixens and teammates so it’s been really nice.”

Liz Watson of the Lightning in action during the round one Super Netball match between Melbourne Mavericks and Sunshine Coast Lightning at John Cain Arena on April 05, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images)

“It’ll be great to be back in front of our incredible fans in what will be a really tough game.”

The match was also the debut game for local rising star Baylee Boyd after Leesa Mi Mi continued her injury rehab.

“It was very special for Baylee, especially being a local Sunshine Coast girl,” Watson said.

“She’s grown up here and supported the Lightning so for her to get out there in front of family and friends was super cool to see.”

Watson, who spent 10 seasons with the Melbourne Vixens before signing with the Lightning in 2014, praised the pre-season work and effort of rising goal threat Reilley Batcheldor.

Reilley Batcheldor of the Lightning in action during the round one Super Netball match between Melbourne Mavericks and Sunshine Coast Lightning at John Cain Arena on April 05, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images)

At only 22-years-old, Batcheldor recently competed with the Australian team at the Fast Five World Series, taking out the gold medal and player of the match in the grand final.

“I think Reilley is someone that’s worked really hard this pre-season and she showed in round one that she can be that holding shooter, moving or step up and take the super shots too,” Watson said.

“She’s ready to take it on and when she gets her opportunities she shows she wants to be out there.”

Sunday’s clash at UniSC arena will also be the first home game for new recruit Kristiana Manu’a.

Sunshine Coast Lightning star Kristiana Manu’a. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Manu’a, who joined the Lightning as a replacement player for Ava Black, made 48 appearances for the Giants between 2017 and 2021 before representing the Central Pulse in New Zealand for the past two seasons.

“I’ve only been here a couple of weeks but I feel like I’ve slotted in quite seamlessly which has been good,” Manu’a said.

“I’m super stoked to be able to play at home, I know how passionate the Lightning fans are so it will be good to have them rooting for me this time.”

Originally published as Liz Watson praises rising Sunshine Coast Lighting star Reilley Batcheldor