Where will the Super Netball season be held in 2021?

Sunshine Coast Lightning squad get back into training ahead of the 2021 Super Netball season.

The Sunshine Coast Lightning squad get back into training ahead of the 2021 Super Netball series.

Ready and raring to strike the Sunshine Coast Lightning squad is back on court ahead of the 2021 Super Netball season.

But just where and how the competition will take place remains unknown.

“Your idea is about as good as mine, to be honest,” Lightning goal shooter Cara Koenen said.

The 2020 season was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Eventually the shortened rounds were run out of Queensland with the state operating as a hub for the entire league.

The possibility of a similar arrangement weighing on player’s minds.

“I think that we would be remiss, given what happened last year, if we didn’t prepare for it or expect it,” Koenen said.

“I just feel like anything could happen, things can turn on such a dime that we’re making sure that on our end we’re prepared.

“If that scenario does happen again, we’re in a good position because we kind of know what worked for us last year and what didn’t.

“Honestly, I think anything’s on the table.”

The 24-year-old said no matter the outcome the team would be ready.

“Primarily we’d want to have a bit more of a normal season,” she said.

“The eight weeks was a little bit tough on a few bodies.

“ I think we just have to make sure that we’re ready for anything and that’s going to be a real focus for us.”

The Sunshine Coast Lightning squad get back into training ahead of the 2021 Super Netball series.

Another focus for the club will be getting South African players Karla Pretorius and Phumza Maweni back into the country.

The duo returned home over the break to reunite with family.

“The club is working really hard at getting them back on Australian soil,” Koenen said.

“International travel is something that’s proving to be a little bit difficult for every team.

“They’re just working through what flights are available.

“They’ll obviously have to do their quarantine, but we’ll support them through that.

“They’ll still get a really good chunk of pre-season in.”

The team is back into pre-season training after enjoying a few weeks respite over the Christmas and New Year’s period.

The Lightning has welcomed two new faces to the court with Mahlia Cassidy and Kate Shimmin making the move north.

Add to that the promotion of former training partner Ashlee Unie.

“We’ve got a bit of a different training structure this year so it’s nice after being here for five seasons that things are still changing,” she said.

“We’re just trying to keep things exciting, things to make sure our bodies don’t get into too much of a routine.

“We’re just working on creating a really good foundation at the moment.”

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