Queensland Firebirds help Cairns juniors take their games to new heights

Super Netball might seem a world away from Cairns’ junior scene but, for three young Indigenous Far North netballers, they’ve only got about 50cm to grow before they can stand alongside their idols.

The Queensland Firebirds have held a player clinic for junior netballers at Cairns Netball following their victory over the Melbourne Vixens in Cairns on Sunday. Queensland Firebird player Rudi Ellis compares her height with Phoenix Fierce players and cousins Marutta Gulplil, 9, Nahla Moke, 8, and Mya Moke, 11. PICTURE: BRENDAN RADKE

Super Netball might seem a world away from Cairns’ junior scene but, for three young Indigenous Far North netballers, they’ve only got about 50cm to grow before they can stand alongside their idols.

Sisters Mya and Nahla Moke and their cousin Marutta Gulplil, who dream of one day playing netball on the biggest stage, were among those to attend a Firebirds clinic to find out how they measure up against Super Netball stars.

They did so literally, standing alongside the Firebirds’ towering defender Rudi Ellis, at the Martyn St courts, one of the few times the Super Netball players have been able to closely interact with their fans this year.

“They’re very, very tall,” Mya said.

The Queensland Firebirds have held a player clinic for junior netballers at Cairns Netball following their victory over the Melbourne Vixens in Cairns on Sunday. Queensland Firebird player Rudi Ellis shares a laugh with Phoenix Fierce players and cousins Marutta Gulplil, 9, Nahla Moke, 8, and Mya Moke, 11. PICTURE: BRENDAN RADKE

“I was very excited to meet all the Firebirds because it was probably the only time I would be able to meet them.”

The up-and-coming netballers attended all three Super Netball games at the Cairns Pop-Up Arena over the weekend.

“When I watch it on TV it doesn’t look as fast, but when I was there it was really fast, like a lightning bolt,” Mya said.

“It was very intense.”

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She said her favourite players were Gretel Bueta (nee Tippett) and Jemma Mi Mi.

“I like Gretel because she plays basketball as well and she used a lay-up in netball,” she said.

“I like Jemma because she’s the only Indigenous player in the competition and she’s very good at attack and centre.”

She said she was disappointed she didn’t get the chance to see Mi Mi play in Cairns.

The Firebirds midcourter was left on the bench in the Indigenous Round clash, a decision that has been met with backlash from the netball community.

Originally published as Queensland Firebirds help Cairns juniors take their games to new heights