Established by Netball Queensland, this new competition will feature the nation’s top state league, men's and community teams in a quest to find out just who is the best of the best.
An estimated 48 teams are expected to take part in the three-day event, which is set to become an annual feature on the Australian netball calendar.
The Premier Women’s division will feature the best state league teams from across Australia competing against each other in a shootout to determine just who is the top netball club in the country.
Queensland HART Sapphire Series grand finalists Gold Coast Titans and TAE Aerospace Ipswich Jets are among those eagerly awaiting the new competition.
“We applaud Netball Queensland for taking the lead in this space, bringing the top clubs from across each state to play off against each other,” Titans Executive General Manager Scott Rollinson said.
“We expect this tournament to grow year-on-year. It’s sure to be exciting for fans and athletes to witness such a high-quality event featuring some of the best netball talent in the country.”
“The Jets are very excited by the opportunity the Sunshine Challenge will provide us,” newly appointed Head Coach of the Ipswich Jets, Megan Lynch said.
“This will give the Jets a chance to have a hit out against the Nation's best athletes, as well as give our players the chance to be seen by other states and show them what they are capable of.”
The SCNI empowers athletes to not only prove themselves against interstate opposition but provides a showcase for state league players to display their talent on a national stage.
“The Sunshine Challenge Netball Invitational is an opportunity I could only have dreamed of when I was progressing through the state league system,” Queensland Firebird and SCNI ambassador Macy Gardner said.
“The competition is a unique pathways event for athletes eager to showcase their skills in front of Suncorp Super Netball clubs, selectors and even other state league clubs.
“Players will also get a taste of Suncorp Super Netball action with the inclusion of the two-point Super Shot, which has already been introduced to great success here in Queensland in our HART Sapphire Series.”
As well as the Premier Women’s division, the tournament will include Premier Men’s and Community Women’s competitions – making it a true celebration of the diverse and wide-ranging netball family.
Further information on the SCNI including confirmed teams, fixture and livestream information will be released closer to the event.
Visit the SCNI website here for full details on this exciting new addition to the Australian netball calendar, including the opportunity to register interest in participating.
For further information or enquiries about the SCNI, please contact scni@netballq.org.au.
