FORMER Queensland Firebirds premiership player Hulita Veve has been named captain of the 2022 Queensland Sapphires team to compete at next week’s Australian National Championships (ANC) in Traralgon, Victoria.
The 26-year-old midcourter most recently led QUT Netball in an outstanding HART Sapphire Series grand final against ACU Brisbane North Cougars.
Veve will be supported during the Sapphires’ upcoming ANC campaign by vice-captains, and 2023 Queensland Firebirds, Macy Gardner and Mia Stower.
“We are extremely fortunate to have a team of athletes that all lead in their own way but selecting Hulita, Macy and Mia to be our captains for the 2022 ANC was not a difficult one,” Sapphires coach Katie Walker said.
“The trio are all clearly wonderful athletes, but they are also very impressive young ladies that set the standards in everything they do. They bring invaluable knowledge and experience built from years of hard work and persistence, and their own unique styles empower, challenge, inspire and bring out the best in those around them. I have no doubt that’s exactly what Hulita, Mace and Mia will continue to do down in Traralgon and our team is in very good hands.”
Maddie Ridley has withdrawn due to not being medically cleared to play, with Isabelle Shearer named as the replacement player.
The Sapphires leave Brisbane for Traralgon this Sunday, with the inaugural ANC running from August 22 to 28.
The championships will be fought out between 10 teams from state and territory member organisations and Suncorp Super Netball league clubs, and replaces the former Australian Netball League.
The 2022 ANC will be available to watch live, on-demand and free via Kayo Freebies, as part of the new era of netball on Fox Sports.
