Stuart, who forged a new-look partnership with Head Coach Kiri Wills on the Firebirds’ bench in 2025, will lead Samoa at the Netball World Youth Cup in Gibraltar this September before turning her attention back to guiding Queensland’s elite side in 2026.
It marks another step in a decorated coaching journey for Stuart, who has built a reputation as one of the state’s most experienced and versatile netball leaders. She steered the TAE Aerospace Jets to the 2024 HART Premier Netball League title, previously guided the Queensland University of Technology High-Performance Program and has held international roles with the Samoa National Team.
Stuart said she was delighted to continue her journey with the Firebirds after a season that showcased the team’s growth and resilience.
“I’m honoured to stand alongside Kiri and the Firebirds team for another year,” Stuart said.
“2025 was an incredible season full of growth, connection, and teamwork. The entire staff worked together to bring out the very best in each athlete, and we finished the year strong, challenging every team we faced. Now it’s time to take that next step.
“With a wealth of experience right across the court, I can already see the Birdies ready to soar even higher in 2026. Kiri and I have started building our plans, and I can’t wait to get started on what’s going to be a huge year ahead.”
Before rejoining the Firebirds’ pre-season, Stuart will lead Samoa in a historic campaign at the Netball World Youth Cup (NWYC). The Pacific nation has been drawn in Pool B against Australia, Scotland, Singapore and Northern Ireland after earning their spot by winning the Oceania Qualifiers.
“From trials across Samoa, Australia, and New Zealand, we selected an incredible group of athletes who play with pride for their families, communities, culture, and country,” Stuart said.
“Winning the Oceania Qualifiers was all heart - and now we’re ready to take on the world. We play against Australia in our second game, which will test this small country, but I know they will have all heart and the community behind them.
“Fa’afetai lava for all the support. Samoa is ready.”
Queensland’s international reach will be felt heavily in Gibraltar, with a host of local talent also competing. Stuart’s Samoa side includes Kaylee Tamala and Tiana Apelu (Brisbane South Wildcats), Ciarn McBryde (Cairns) and Brooke Marchant (Gold Coast Titans).
Other Queensland representatives include Fiji coach Simone Nalatu, Cook Islands coach Lux Letoa, and athletes Solei Toganivalu (Fiji, Wildcats), Kydan Tuapou, Ngahuia Te-Rure, Deja-Maree Waitere-Patterson (Wildcats, Cook Islands), Tia Crombie (Titans, Cook Islands), plus Siana Matavalea and Sovika Pousini (Wildcats, Tonga).
The Firebirds will begin preparations for the 2026 Suncorp Super Netball season later this year, with Stuart’s reappointment reinforcing stability and ambition as the club builds toward its next chapter.
The best way to ensure you don’t miss a minute of the action is by securing a 2026 Firebirds membership. Register your interest in a membership here and be among the first to know when memberships go live as well as gain access to an exclusive pre-sale window.
Tickets to 2026 Firebirds home matches will go on sale in January.
World Netball has confirmed that fans around the globe will be able to watch every match of the NWYC2025 live and free on NetballPass and the Netball World Cup YouTube channel. For more information click here.
