The now-traditional pre-season clash between Suncorp Super Netball rivals the Queensland Firebirds and Sunshine Coast Lightning, will be held at the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre on Friday, February 20. The blockbuster evening will be an SSN pre-season double-header with GIANTS Netball and the Melbourne Mavericks beginning the action from 5pm before the Firebirds and Lightning hit the court at 7pm.
The Suncorp Spirit Cup adds to a huge year of netball on the Gold Coast, with the Junior State Age Championships to be hosted by Hinterland District Netball Association (HDNA) at their upgraded Firth Park complex from July 4–7, 2026.
“HDNA is very excited and thankful to be the recipients of 24 brand new courts and beautiful surrounds and what better way to show case the Firth Park Netball Precinct to the wider netball community than to be the hosts of Junior State Age 2026,” HDNA President Megan Elliott said.
“We look forward to welcoming Associations from all over Queensland and to see the new courts full with players, umpires and spectators is going to be great for the Gold Coast and for the sport of netball.
“To know the Firebirds and Lightning will be showcasing a match on the Gold Coast earlier this year with the Suncorp Spirit Cup is also a huge win for Gold Coast netball fans.”
Both events are proudly supported by Experience Gold Coast with Suncorp presenting the Suncorp Spirit Cup.
“Another great result for the Gold Coast to be hosting both the Suncorp Spirit Cup and Junior State Age Netball in 2026,” Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said.
“The Firebirds and Lightning always bring the energy, and with the next generation of netball stars competing in our city just months later, it’s going to be a massive year of netball on the Gold Coast.”
Monday’s confirmation the pre-season SSN clash will be on the Gold Coast allows fans to finally experience elite netball in the city after the 2025 Suncorp Spirit Cup, also scheduled for the venue, was cancelled due to Tropical Cyclone Alfred in March.
It will mark the fourth edition of the Suncorp Spirit Cup, with previous encounters thrilling sell-out crowds in Mackay, Toowoomba and Townsville. The Lightning currently hold the title after their 2024 win, but the Firebirds will be eager to reclaim bragging rights in front of a passionate Gold Coast crowd.
“As a proud Queensland brand, Suncorp is thrilled to once again partner with the Queensland Firebirds and Sunshine Coast Lightning to bring the excitement of elite netball to the Gold Coast,” Suncorp Consumer Insurance Chief Executive Lisa Harrison said.
“The 2026 Suncorp Spirit Cup is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the talent of our homegrown teams and deepen our connection with the Queensland community through the sport we love. Hosting this event ahead of the Suncorp Super Netball season allows fans to experience the energy and passion of the game up close, while building momentum for what promises to be an exciting year of netball.”
Adding to the excitement, the Firebirds will unveil their new-look squad, featuring New Zealand trio Kelly Jackson, Maddy Gordon and Te Paea Selby-Rickit, while the Lightning will showcase recruits Donnell Wallam, Gabby Sinclair and Karin Burger.
“The Suncorp Spirit Cup is a highlight of our pre-season - the rivalry between the teams is very real and we are not going into this as ‘just another pre-season game,” Queensland Firebirds Head Coach Kiri Wills said.
“We are going in to win it.
“The chance to test ourselves in front of Queensland fans is incredibly valuable.”
Sunshine Coast Lightning Head Coach Belinda Reynolds knows how important the Suncorp Spirit Cup will be to her own team’s pre-season preparations.
“The Suncorp Spirit Cup is always a crucial match in our pre-season calendar, and I know our players look forward to it,” Reynolds said.
“Both sides have some exciting new recruits this season and this gives us a chance to test those combinations in front of a passionate Gold Coast crowd.
“We know people on the Gold Coast love their sport, and I’m looking forward to the opportunity to connect with our Lightning Members and fans as well.”
Pre-sale tickets to the Suncorp Spirit Cup for Firebirds and Lightning members are available now, with general public tickets on sale from Tuesday, November 18 via Ticketek.
