Due to a serious foot problem last year, Rio could only cheer Marley from the sidelines 12 months ago but both will line up in this year’s 16 and Under division when the four-day competition begins on Saturday.
The pair are just one of several sets of siblings competing across the two divisions, including Cougars’ 18 and Under duo Jayden and Tia Molo.
“I am really excited to be competing at State Titles for Cougars,” Rio said.
“It was amazing to watch Marley play it was really hard for me (last year) as I so wanted to play.
“Now I am beyond excited to play alongside Marley and I am honoured to be wearing the red dress and be with such a supportive team and coaches.”
The pair are also drawing inspiration from big sister Rylee – a part of the Cougar’s HART Sapphire Series premiership-winning team and the Firebirds Futures squad which competed at the recent Australian Netball Championships in Morayfield.
A goal attack like her elder sibling, Marley acknowledged how much of a role Rylee’s netball journey had played in her own ambitions.
“Rylee has had a significant impact on my netball journey and has inspired me to follow in her footsteps,” Marley said.
“Her accuracy, skill and smarts for the game playing my position – goal attack – has motivated me to be like her one day and follow through the pathways she has been.”
Marley began her own elite pathways journey last year when she was selected in Queensland’s 17 and Under squad following the State Titles, an experience that she would love to replicate in 2023 – alongside her twin sister.
“It was such an incredible experience and a personal journey,” Marley said of her state selection.
“It taught me so much about my limits and the power of mental strength.
“Knowing that there are selectors watching our game is a massive motivation … however the Cougars is my main priority and by focusing on putting the best performance out on court and building further connections with my teammates, being selected into the Queensland squad would be a bonus and a gifted opportunity to further my journey.”
The 2023 State Titles feature the best athletes, coaches and umpires from across Queensland to compete against each other in a high-quality competition.
The four-day competition begins on Saturday with finals to be held in the 16 and Under and 18 and Under divisions on Tuesday.
Following those finals, selectors will announce the Queensland 17 and Under and 19 and Under squads who will represent their state at the 2024 National Netball Championships, a Netball Australia pathway event.
For more information on the 2023 State Titles, visit the online competition hub here.
The competition will be livestreamed via Kommunity TV. For more information click here.
