Having guided Queensland’s 17 and Under team to a gold medal in last year’s NNC, Bec Stower will coach a 19 and Under team boasting several players who claimed that national title in Darwin.
Prolific goal shooter Tia Crombie, vice-captain Ellie Brice and Australian Youth Commonwealth Games representatives Jada Delaney, Gemma Hutchings and Sasha Flegler have all made the step up to the 19s for this year’s tournament at the newly opened Jubilee Park Stadium located on the Mornington Peninsula.
Flegler and Delaney are also coming off pre-season commitments with Suncorp Super Netball clubs the Queensland Firebirds and Sunshine Coast Lightning, something Stower says was just one hurdle to her teams’ preparations.
Stower also had to make a late change with Dakota Newson elevated into the team after Baylee Boyd was unfortunately ruled out due to injury.
“Despite facing challenges, preparations for nationals have been progressing well,” Stower said.
“The strong connections forged within the team during court sessions have facilitated valuable match play opportunities and a productive simulation weekend.
“We feel privileged and proud to guide such an exceptional group of athletes, noting their consistent progress leading up to this point.
“(I’m) confident that the team will peak at the right time and we are ready to tackle the rigors of nationals head-on.”
Despite being defending champions, Queensland will head into the 17U competition with a new-look team led by captain Rio Burns and vice-captain Sarah Joyce.
Head Coach Anna Young believed the team was in a good place heading to the tournament.
“A resilient and unified Queensland team has emerged despite disruptions in our preparations caused by injuries, illnesses and challenges accessing regional athletes,” Young said.
“While infrequent for all 12 athletes to prepare together simultaneously, our team remains steadfast, offering support and aiding each other's adaptation.
“Consequently, our athletes have honed their versatility and confidence across various combinations and positions. We eagerly anticipate witnessing the collective prowess of our full squad at nationals and the innovative performance they'll deliver.”
Queensland will join squads from the Australian Capital Territory, Northern Territory, New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia in the six-day event starting on Tuesday.
Queensland’s 17U team begins their tournament against Tasmania at 9.30am on Tuesday, April 9 with the 19U starting against Western Australia at 12pm on the same day.
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Queensland 19 and Under
Kaylin van Greunen, Tia Crombie, Talitah Faifai, Kirra Tappenden, Jayden Molo (capt), Ellie Brice (vice-capt), Dakota Newson, Sasha Flegler, Jada Delaney, Brooke Lacey, Gemma Hutchings, Holly Comyns.
Queensland 17 and Under
Simone' Botha, Marley Burns, Rio Burns (capt), Leilani Fatialofa, Ava Guthrie, Sienna Jones, Charlotte Jonsen, Sarah Joyce (vice-capt), Ella Macartney, Ciarn MacBride, Tia Molo, Roxanne Rhind.
