Following the release of the Suncorp Super Netball 2019 fixtures, Netball Queensland can today announce that SSN players from the Lorna Jane Queensland Firebirds and the Sunshine Coast Lightning will join Sapphire Series clubs for match play during the Netball World Cup break.
Netball Australia released the 2019 draw this week with a four-week mid-season break scheduled for the NWC in Liverpool.
During the break, the Queensland Firebirds and Sunshine Coast Lightning will continue training and join the Sapphire Series clubs for match play.
It will be a huge boost for the state competition with players getting the opportunity to be challenged by some of the best athletes in the country.
Firebirds young gun and Townsville product Kim Jenner, who recently spent time as a training partner in camp with the Diamonds will play with the Northern Rays.
Jenner, who moved to Brisbane in 2016 to pursue her university career and advance her netball, will get her first chance to represent her home town in the state competition.
Young Firebirds Tara Hinchliffe, Tippah Dwan and Jemma Mi Mi will all rejoin their former state league teams, playing for the Brisbane North Cougars, The Jets, and the QUT Wildcats respectively.
Sunshine Coast Lightning players not involved in the NWC will also play throughout the break, with former Brisbane North Cougar Laura Scherian returning to join her old club.
Midcourter Jacqui Russell will join ranks with the Brisbane East Tigers while Maddy McAuliffe will head south to re-join the Wildcats.
Former West Coast Fever defender and Lightning recruit Annika Lee Jones will remain on the coast and play for the Thunder.
The Suncorp Super Netball players will value from the continued game play, ready to recommence with the business end of the season when play returns for round 10 in late July.
Brisbane North Cougars
- Tara Hinchliffe
- Laura Scherian
Bond University Bull Sharks
Brisbane East Tigers
- Gabi Simpson
- Jacqui Russell
Northern Rays
- Kim Jenner
- Caitlin Nevins
QUT Wildcats
- Jemma Mi Mi
- Romelda Aiken
- Maddy McAuliffe
The Jets
- Tippah Dwan
- Laura Clemesha
Thunder
- Mahalia Cassidy
- Cara Koenen
- Annika Lee Jones