A key pillar of the national pathway, the NNC 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.
17 and Under squad ready to impress
The 17s selection includes athletic Cairns-based midcourter Ruby Croxford, defensive presence and captain Ruby Stanford and first-year player Libby Richardson at goal shooter.
"The Queensland U17s team is ready to represent Queensland at the Netball National Championships,” Head Coach Lauren Mead said.
“Throughout the training period this group has shown significant growth, resilience and a strong commitment to working for one another in tough moments.
“Some athletes in the team are privileged to wear the maroon dress for a second time, while for many it is their first. They all understand the honour and responsibility of representing Queensland.”
19 and Under squad boasts experience and depth
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.
"Our 19 and Under group is equally exciting, with a blend of experience, athleticism and strong netball pedigree,” Queensland Firebirds Futures Academy Coach Tracey Bruce said.
“Overall this is a well-rounded squad with strong depth, versatility and a competitive edge across all thirds.”
For the second year running Queensland will also be represented in the officials selected for the nationals with three umpires to attend the event with Morgan Dick and Ella Warren to make their NNC debuts alongside Abbey Bassingthwaighte in a strong achievement for Queensland’s umpire pathways.
The competition is being held at Victoria's home of netball, Parkville's State Netball Centre and starts on Thursday. The event will be broadcast live on Kommunity TV - click here to watch .
For a full competition draw and more info click here .
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), Charlie Guthrie (Kedron-Wavell Cougars), Freja Key (Redlands Coast Eagles), Jayda Penitani (Kedron-Wavell Cougars), Chloe Taylor (Gold Coast Titans))
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)
Leila Simpson (TBC)
Kaylee Tamala (Gold Coast Titans)
(Training Partners: Charlotte Blom (Brisbane South Wildcats), Madison Rhind (Gold Coast Titans), Tia Shaw (Brisbane South Wildcats), Bridie Stewart (Bond University Bull Sharks), Tereneah Tapuai (Kedron-Wavell Cougars))
