Both coaches bring a wealth of experience and a passion for developing young talent, positioning Queensland for success at the 2025 National Netball Championships (NNC).
Byrnes has an extensive background in coaching junior talent in Queensland.
Since 2020, she has been involved with the dominant Canterbury College program and in 2024 she led the Gold Coast Titans HART Sapphire Series Ruby division team.
Byrnes also contributed as an assistant coach for the Queensland 17s at the 2024 NNC.
“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to lead the Queensland 17s program and eager to dive in,” Byrnes said.
“This age group is always full of energy and always keen to learn new skills.
“I’m excited to work with the emerging talent and confident that we can help them reach their full potential.”
Peterson has an extensive coaching background, having previously served as Head Coach of the Bond University Bull Sharks in the HART Sapphire Series.
She also coached both the Bull Sharks and Titans Ruby teams and held assistant coaching roles for Queensland teams at the 2014, 2016 and 2019 NNCs.
In the past two seasons Peterson has also been an assistant coach of the Firebirds Futures, working alongside the state’s best rising stars.
“I’m delighted to be appointed head coach of Queensland 19 and Under, it’s always been an absolute goal of mine,” she said.
“As a child playing at Goodna Netball Association, I fell in love with the game and dreamed of representing Queensland and the Diamonds.
“Coaching is the next best thing. I’m extremely humbled to be in this position, to work with experts in high performance and such an exciting group of athletes.”
Supporting Byrnes will be Assistant Coach Amy Sommerville for the 17s, while Peterson will be assisted by Carynne Robinson for the 19s.
The newly appointed coaches will be assisting selectors to identify the best young Queensland netball talent at the upcoming State Titles, to be held at Brisbane's Nissan Arena from September 14 to 17.
Following the titles, state squads will be selected to begin preparations for the 2025 NNC.
