A key pillar of the national pathway, the NNC is an event that has, since its inception in 1985, provided an opportunity for developing athletes, coaches, umpires and officials to prosper, while helping launch countless Australian Diamonds and Suncorp Super Netball careers.
Queensland’s emerging talent will take on squads from every Australian state and territory, with the NNC environment designed to test combinations, deepen high-performance habits and build resilience under pressure. Both squads reflect strong club representation from across Queensland.
17U Head Coach Lauren Mead said watching her players develop during the selection process had her excited about what lies ahead later this year.
“The athletes have embraced every opportunity to learn and push their limits, both individually and as a group, which has been extremely impressive,” Mead said.
“Across this period, the girls have shown strong growth not only in their technical skills, but also in their off-court commitment and high-performance behaviours.
“Spending this extended time together has also allowed them to build strong relationships, which will be invaluable as the team prepares for nationals in April.”
Queensland 19U Head Coach Gavin Clarke’s squad features several familiar faces at State Team level including shooter Simoné Botha, far north Queensland product Charlotte Jonsen and twin sisters Marley and Rio Burns.
Clarke’s options have also been boosted with the addition of former Victorian state representative and Australian 17U selection Leila Simpson following her move to Queensland for university studies.
“The selection process for the 19U team was rigorous and comprehensive,” Clarke said.
“Focusing not only on performance outcomes but on athletes demonstrating grit, accountability, team focus and the ability to commit to consistently to their development both on and off the court.
“The coaching staff are excited to be working with the final 12 athletes as we prepare them to represent themselves, their family and the Queensland dress with pride.”
Queensland 17U State Team
Matilda Canning (Kedron-Wavell Cougars)
Ruby Croxford (Far North Flames)
Chelsea Edwards (Kedron-Wavell Cougars)
Rhiaana Harrison (Moreton Bay City Pulse)
Stella Hastie (Sunshine Coast Thunder)
Brooklyn Kingi (Kedron-Wavell Cougars)
Ruby Mlakar (Carina Leagues Club Tigers)
Libby Richardson (Kedron-Wavell Cougars)
Ruby Stanford (TAE Aerospace Jets)
Ashleigh Stariha (Carina Leagues Club Tigers)
Bree Sutherland (Redlands Coast Eagles)
Addison Whalley (Nth Qld United)
(Training Partners: Ava Barrett (Gold Coast Titans), Harlow Faaee (Gold Coast Titans), Charlie Guthrie (Kedron-Wavell Cougars), Freja Key (Redlands Coast Eagles), Jayda Penitani (Kedron-Wavell Cougars), Chloe Taylor (Redlands Coast Eagles))
Queensland 19U State Team
Charlotte Blain (Kedron-Wavell Cougars)
Simoné Botha (Kedron-Wavell Cougars)
Marley Burns (Kedron-Wavell Cougars)
Rio Burns (Kedron-Wavell Cougars)
Lila Chapman (Redlands Coast Eagles)
Samaya Cook (Sunshine Coast Thunder)
Mahlia Henare (Bond University Bull Sharks)
Sienna Jones (Kedron-Wavell Cougars)
Charlotte Jonsen (Kedron-Wavell Cougars)
Sarah Joyce (Carina Leagues Club Tigers)
Roxanne Rhind (Gold Coast Titans)
Leila Simpson (TBC)
(Training Partners: Charlotte Blom (Brisbane South Wildcats), Madison Rhind (Gold Coast Titans), Tia Shaw (Brisbane South Wildcats), Bridie Stewart (Bond University Bull Sharks), Kaylee Tamala (Gold Coast Titans), Tereneah Tapuai (Kedron-Wavell Cougars))
