Laga’aia, now in her third year with the Futures, brings international flair and big-game experience. The 2023 Katie Walker Medallist and Samoan national team representative was named MVP of the recent 2025 PacificAus Grand Final and impressed in the Suncorp Team Girls Cup, as an invitee for the Firebirds.
Joining her is experienced attacker and former Firebird Abigail Latu-Meafou, who returns to the leadership group after serving as Vice-Captain in 2023. A current Firebirds training partner and former Samoan international, Latu-Meafou brings calm authority and deep knowledge of the elite netball landscape.
Rounding out the trio is HART Sapphire Series stalwart Danielle Taylor. A premiership winner with the TAE Aerospace Ipswich Jets in 2024, Taylor is a Queensland pathways product who brings toughness and team-first energy to the squad.
Firebirds Futures Head Coach Jessica Whitfort said the group had been chosen not only for their achievements but for the standards they set.
“Each of them embodies the values as a team the athletes have identified as what they want to be known for, as well as impressive leadership skills and playing experience with the Queensland pathways," Whitfort said.
"Dani is known for her grit and relentless endeavour who selflessly gives to the team. Jessie is a creative and dogged attacker, who brings professional behaviours to all that she does on and off the court.
“And Abi is a calm, composed leader who connects the group through her natural leadership and experience as a Suncorp Super Netball/ANZ Championship player.”
The revamped 2025 competition features extra national match play, an expanded Finals Weekend and a new in-season tournament, giving young athletes more opportunities to shine.
The Firebirds Futures open their 2025 campaign against the Mavericks at Waverley Netball Centre on Saturday, May 3.
