By Amanda Myler
THREE short seasons ago, goal attack Josie Bingham was ready to call time on her career playing in Queensland’s top netball league.
Managing both concussion and university commitments made it challenging for the Western Districts Netball Association junior to achieve any consistency on court, hindering her ambitions of securing higher representative honours.
But in 2023, a phone call from retired New Zealand Silver Ferns midcourter and then-Gold Coast Titans head coach Temepara Bailey (nee George) changed everything.
"I always felt there was unfinished business," Bingham said.
"Most teams don’t offer trials for their Sapphire squad, but the Titans did. My dad in particular told me to give it a go but I went in unsure, thinking there would be no spots available.
"I was in the car when Temepara called me, introduced herself and told me that they were happy with how I’d trialled and that I had a position. I remember getting off that phone call and saying to mum, ‘You’ll never guess, I just made it’. We were all so elevated."
Bingham has since represented the Firebirds Futures in the Super Netball Reserves, was awarded the 2024 LeGassick Hidden Gem award and was also named HART Sapphire Series MVP (Katie Walker Medal) runner-up in that same year, and is deservedly a member of the 2025 Titans Sapphire leadership group.
"I haven’t looked back from that opportunity Temepara gave me," the 25-year-old said.
"To be honest, I don’t think I’d be playing the netball I am today without the Titans. I’ve really thrived in that environment, under the guidance of Temepara, Victor (Potaka) and Cat (Cathrine Tuivaiti nee Latu). They are all so amazing and the Titans’ culture invites personality and flair."
They will need to deliver more of their unique brand of netball this Saturday at Nissan Arena for what will be a hotly contested top-of-the-table Round 3 clash with the also undefeated Kedron-Wavell Cougars.
Bingham’s long-range accuracy has impressed already this season, and she was awarded MVP honours for sinking 11 two-pointers in last weekend’s six-point derby victory over the in-form Bond University Bull Sharks.
"I’ve really been loving the change up and taking on that responsibility to slot the goals," Bingham said in regards to the recent introduction of the two-point shot into the HART Premier Netball League.
"My natural game was very strong as a longer range shooter, so nothing has changed other than being rewarded with the extra point. The defensive pressure around those shots is now tougher as well, but for me it’s just knowing that it’s a strength of mine and I’m going to go to the post and back myself in."
While at the helm of driving the Titans towards a maiden premiership in 2025, Bingham isn’t shying away from continuing to strive towards achieving personal goals.
"Anyone who knows me, knows I’m looking to better myself and my game, and really push for an opportunity at that next level," she said.
"While I missed out on this year’s Super Netball Reserves side, it’s an environment I’m still pushing to be a part of. I’m not finished yet, and I do believe I still have a lot of growth in my game. It’s grown so much over the past three years at the Titans, and I can still feel it evolving but that’s also about putting out solid performances week in, week out."
KommunityTV is your home to watch Queensland’s top talents LIVE and exclusive. Two matches each round from the top-flight Sapphire division are being exclusively live streamed on News Corp Australia mastheads, including The Courier-Mail and Gold Coast Bulletin.
WATCH THE 2025 HART PREMIER NETBALL LEAGUE LIVE.
For the full HPNL Sapphire draw, click HERE.
