The Firebirds squad, captained by Ruby Bakewell-Doran, features a strong New Zealand contingent with Kelly Jackson, Maddy Gordon and Te Paea Selby-Rickit all named in the lineup.
Training partners Elsa Sif Sandholt and Sasha Flegler will also take the court alongside Queensland Firebirds Futures Academy talent Lily Gribble, providing Head Coach Kiri Wills with an opportunity to assess depth across all positions.
English international Imogen Allison will provide support from the sidelines as she continues rehabilitation from an ankle injury sustained on tour with the Roses in South Africa.
For Gold Coast junior Sandholt, who represented Southport Carrara Netball Association throughout her pathway journey, Friday's match represents a homecoming of special significance.
"It's a bit of a full circle moment," Sandholt said.
"It's great to have an opportunity to show to the young girls watching that there's a pathway coming from the Gold Coast.
“It's a great opportunity. I'll have lots of friends and family there which is really exciting.
“Just really keen to give it our best go.”
The Lightning squad brings its own star power with several high-profile additions joining the Suncorp Spirit Cup holders.
Silver Ferns international Karin Burger and Australian Diamonds goaler Donnell Wallam headline the new faces, combining with established stars Liz Watson, Courtney Bruce and Ash Ervin to create a formidable lineup.
Queensland product Ava Black has also been named, with the talented midcourter on the comeback trail from the ACL injury that devastated her 2025 campaign.
Friday's event is a genuine Suncorp Super Netball pre-season double header, with GIANTS Netball and Melbourne Mavericks opening proceedings from 5pm before the mouthwatering Queensland derby between the Firebirds and Lightning from 7pm.
The Lightning enter as current holders of the Suncorp Spirit Cup after claiming victory in the 2024 edition. Friday's clash will be the fourth iteration of the event, which has previously been staged in Mackay, Toowoomba and Townsville.
Proudly presented by Suncorp and supported by Experience Gold Coast, the event ensures fans can 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 last year.
The event is the first of two major netball experiences on the Gold Coast in 2026, with Hinterland District Netball Association set to host this year's Junior State Age event at their upgraded Firth Park complex from July 4-7.
“What a coup, securing the 2026 Suncorp Spirit Cup as the Firebirds and Lightning battle for pre-season glory,” said Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate.
“We know how popular netball is across Australia and we have responded with multi-million-dollar investments in key netball facilities in the city.
“I’m confident this investment will help produce tomorrow’s national representatives. Congratulations to Netball Queensland for showing faith in our city. We won’t let you down."
Limited tickets for Friday's action are still available from Ticketek, while both matches will be broadcast live via NetballQ TV. Head to https://netballqtv.com.au/ for full details and to purchase a pass.
Queensland Firebirds: Ruby Bakewell-Doran, Mary Cholhok, Lara Dunkley, Sasha Flegler, Macy Gardner, Maddy Gordon, Lily Gribble, Kelly Jackson, Emily Moore, Elsa Sif Sandholt, Te Paea Selby-Rickit, Isabelle Shearer
Sunshine Coast Lightning: Ava Black, Baylee Boyd, Courtney Bruce, Karin Burger, Mahalia Cassidy, Ashleigh Ervin, Maddie Hinchliffe, Cara Koenen, Leesa Mi Mi, Gabby Sinclair, Donnell Wallam, Liz Watson
