Queensland teams aiming high at Top End NNC

The state’s 17 and Under and 19 and Under teams will take on their rivals from across the country from April 11 to 16 at CDU Stadium in Marrara, located north of Darwin’s city centre. 

Having won bronze at last year’s championships, the 17U squad once again enters the tournament with lofty goals. 

“We set our expectations high, and our team wouldn’t have it any other way,” coach Rebecca Stower said. 

“We have built on some existing connections and developed some exciting new combinations. 

“We have faced the challenge of integrating our Northern girls but, testament to Sasha Flegler and Samaya Oakley, their hard work, dedication and commitment to come down each weekend has solidified their places within their respective units. 

“All 12 players have committed to our team values and behaviours, and our mantra of ‘Team First’. 

“We believe they are prepared physically and mentally to take on the challenge and are looking forward to seeing what the other states are bringing to the table.” 

With the physical presence of Tia Crombie in the goal circle, Tia Molo’s midcourt craft and vice-captain Gemma Hutchings’ defensive leadership, the 17U squad is full of belief. 

“Our team this year has a great connection and really flows well both on and off court,” captain Ellie Brice said. 

“Our entire team has worked incredibly hard the past 6 months throughout our campaign to reach this point, and I think our work ethic and relentlessness will certainly pay off at nationals.” 

The 19U squad, coached by ex-Queensland Firebird and Fiji international Simone Nalatu is out to claim a title Queensland last won in 2014. 

Nalatu has identified 10 match-winning qualities for the team to pursue in their quest for success. 

“We have had great match play preparation thanks to the Queensland Suns, who we wish well in their own Nationals campaign this week in Perth, and various clubs from the HART Sapphire Series who we also extend a big thank you to - including the Carina Leagues Club Tigers, Gold Coast Titans, Brisbane South Wildcats and TAE Aerospace Jets,” Nalatu said. 

“We have had our top 16 19U Queensland athletes working as a team right until the end and we are confident the connections and will to play for each other regardless of role, will see the team with some great success across the week.” 

In total 192 athletes across 16 teams will compete across the six-days of the tournament, which is being held in the Northern Territory for the first time since 2013. 

The 2023 NNC will be available to watch live, on-demand and free via Kayo Freebies.   

Event tickets are also available for purchase now via trybooking.com. 

(The teams will be supported by Performance Analysts, Rose Huang and Joshua Winterton and team physiotherapists from our physio partner, RHP Physiotherapy, Nikki Rathbone and Sarah Kitcher.)