Queensland Gems coach Merrin McCulloch is excited for her team’s future after the successful return of the Marie Little Shield competition.
The Gems finished fifth in the seven-team competition, which was hosted in Sydney with hosts NSW claiming the overall title after an unbeaten campaign.
Queensland won three of their seven matches including a 20-8 victory over the Northern Territory in the fifth and sixth-placed playoff.
McCulloch said the whole experience had been hugely beneficial in what was the first Marie Little Shield since 2019, with COVID-19 preventing the tournament being held in the past two years.
“We were a different team to when we last went to MLS - you might say we are in a rebuilding stage,” McCulloch said.
“In the years ahead we hope to grow our program and work closely with Netball Queensland to continue to develop our players.
“Having the Marie Little Shield back makes the players even more motivated to be a part of this program and train to their best ability.”
The Gems were led on court by captain Wilhemena Thaw and vice-captain Lisa Lenton, with three players making their debuts for the state in the tournament.
Twins Lorelei and Olivia Page were among those debutantes, aged just 16.
Team staff including development coach Jack Matthews, assistant coach Tanya Matthews, umpire Sally Cox and manager Debbie Kennedy also helped the Gems throughout the week.
There was also a vocal group of parents that travelled with the team, adding colour in the stands in their supporters outfits.
The Gems also wish to thank the Confident Girls Foundation, who provided a $2000 travel grant to Netball Queensland to aid with the team’s costs.
The tournament finished on a high for all competitors with players from the Origin Australian Diamonds taking part in the awards ceremony, including Queensland Firebird Donnell Wallam.
