In the game of the round, the ACU Brisbane North Cougars take on Gold Coast Titans Netball.
Both sides are coming off physical Round Two victories, with the Cougars recording a come-from-behind win over the Sunshine Coast Thunder while the Titans silenced the Bond University Bull Sharks in the inaugural Gold Coast derby.
“We’ve tested different combinations, and have ideas about what we need to do to play well,” Cougars coach Liz White said.
“We need to be tough and strong in the battle, knowing where the ball is at all times.”
White said last weekend’s match-up on the Sunshine Coast, where the Cougars were trailing by as many as 11 goals, was an important lesson moving forward.
“It’s good for them (players) to really know they can come from behind and get in front,” she said.
White also paid tribute to the performance of Mizuno Australia Player of the Round and Cougars captain, Leesa Mi Mi, who switched into wing attack during the second quarter triggering the obvious momentum swing.
Sunday’s game will be only the second hit-out for the Titans this season after a round one bye, but last weekend’s complete full-court performance has fired a warning shot to their northern rivals.
Recent Titans recruit, and former Silver Ferns goal shooter, Cathrine Tuivaiti will undoubtedly draw attention, while captain Bryah Gafa is expected to return after missing last week’s game due to international duties with Samoa at the PacificAus Sports Netball Series.
TAE Aerospace Ipswich Jets coach Paula Stuart will have the luxury of fielding a full-strength team against the Bull Sharks as several of her players also return from the PacificAus tournament
“They’ll have a huge rest this week as they prepare for the game while others will be straight into it,” Stuart said.
The Jets, coming off a bye and an opening round victory over the Brisbane South Wildcats, have temporarily welcomed legendary Australian netball coach Jill McIntosh into their fold for an extra edge.
“I love how she coaches, so it’s not just for the players but for me as well as I love learning off Jill,” Stuart said.
“We’re looking at our change of pace, the game’s gotten so fast. Change of pace and also spatial awareness.”
As the Bull Sharks search for their first victory, Stuart said the young Gold Coast side would be dangerous with a “nothing to lose” attitude.
Also coming off two losses is the Brisbane South Wildcats, who this weekend will be challenging a Sunshine Coast Thunder outfit keen to up the ante after its recent defeat at home.
Wildcats coach Megan Lynch remains upbeat as she seeks to attain a level of consistency from her players across the full 60 minutes.
“They’ve got tallies, we’ve got tallies so it’ll match up nicely,” Lynch said.
“We’re trying to rebuild a culture and brand people want to be a part of, which I think we’re definitely doing. We stay positive.”
Round three also has the Carina Leagues Club Tigers on a bye, ahead of a highly anticipated game against the Cougars on Saturday, May 13.
Entry to this Sunday’s triple-header is free, however if you can’t make it to Nissan Arena, News Corp’s Kommunity TV is livestreaming the Jets versus Bull Sharks clash from 6pm, as well as the earlier Ruby Series game between the Tigers and Barastoc Panthers.
The full fixture for the 2023 HART Sapphire Series is available here.
