TAE Aerospace Jets vs ACU Brisbane North Cougars, Nissan Arena Show Court - 4pm
The season starts with a game not to miss in the opening round as the ACU Brisbane North Cougars and TAE Aerospace Jets face off in a rematch of last year's grand final. The 2023 decider was a thrilling contest with an after-the-siren goal securing a 53-52 win for perennial contenders the Cougars. Battle will commence between last year's benchmark teams with Paula Stewart aiming to go one better at the helm of the Jets after a strong campaign last year but with Abigail Latu-Meafou injured and Hulita Veve having been contracted to the Queensland Firebirds, the Jets will have to find new combinations. Super coach Liz White remains in charge at the Cougars, who are missing Leesa Mi Mi with last year's skipper signed by Sunshine Coast Lightning in Suncorp Super Netball, but having won four straight HART Sapphire Series grand finals, will again be a title contender.
Brisbane South Wildcats vs Gold Coast Titans, Nissan Arena Show Court - 6pm
From the support that these two teams bring to the sidelines, to the pressure that they bring to the court, this is a game that will leave you on the edge of your seats. Titans head coach Temepara George emphasised her ambitious club is seeking a title win in their third season at the club's season launch earlier this month. The former Silver Fern says there's no excuses in her team's quest to make finals and chase the title and she's confident the group she's assembled, including prolific goal shooter Tia Crombie, is up for the challenege.
First up for the Titans is the Wildcats, who showed plenty of improvement regardless of their placing in the 2023 season. Their unique gameplay, their fast ball handling and their dynamics on the court never fail to impress. Head coach Megan Lynch will also be returning this season bringing over 15 years of elite coaching experience, to be a highly valued part of the team and a well-respected member of the Wildcats family. With a pre-season beginning in November, expect the Wildcats to be hit the court running from the start of the season.
Sunshine Coast Thunder vs Carina Leagues Club Tigers, Nissan Arena Court 1 - 6pm
The Thunder and Tigers finished neck-and-neck on the ladder with five wins and seven losses last year and both clubs will be eager to get the upper hand in round one to set their standard for the 2024 season. Thunder's superior percentage secured them fourth-spot and a finals berth where they were defeated by the Cougars. The Tigers are excited for another year under the guidance of Jo Morgan with reigning Katie Walker Medallist Jessica Laga'aia back in the midcourt after her impressive 2023 and Firebirds defensiverecruit Isabelle Shearer drafted to the club she played at last year.
Thunder meanwhile boast a squad packed with Suncorp Super Netball training partners such as Annie Miller, Shannon Eagland and Maddie Hinchliffe as well as up-and-coming like Baylee Boyd and Jada Delaney, giving head coach Simone Nalatu plenty of hope of building on last year's fourth-place finish.
