The Queensland Firebirds have strengthened their stocks just four days out from the Suncorp Super Netball season opener, with trio Lara Dunkley, Tippah Dwan and Mia Stower included in an extended squad for the 2020 campaign.
Dunkley remains in the fulltime squad having originally joined as a replacement player for Mahalia Cassidy, while talented young shooters Dwan and Stower have been elevated to the playing squad as part of the league’s modified competition rules for 2020, which sees an increase in the number of players in the match day team from 10 to 12.
The additional players are one of several temporary rule changes for the upcoming Suncorp Super Netball season, aimed at supporting injury prevention and player welfare.
Queensland Firebirds Head Coach Roselee Jencke said all three bring an exciting dynamic to the group.
“We are fortunate to have such depth of talent in our pathway that enables us to bring in players of this calibre,” Jencke said.
“Lara has impressed me from the moment she made the move to Queensland with her energy and positive impact on our squad, and her versatility through the midcourt will be a genuine asset for us.”
“Tippah and Mia represent an exciting generation of new Queensland shooters, and while they’ll no doubt receive a lot of attention in that position this year I’m confident they both have the talent and desire to make an impact at this level, especially with the support and mentorship of Gretel.”
“Critically I think all three players complement the team dynamic, as well as our game strategy, and they’ll each have an important role to play across the course of the season.”
The Queensland Firebirds open their 2020 Suncorp Super Netball campaign against the Sunshine Coast Lightning in the ‘Battle of the Bruce’ at Nissan Arena this Saturday.
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