THE Queensland Firebirds have named a full-strength team to take on Sunshine Coast Lightning in Saturday's sold-out Suncorp Spirit Cup in Toowoomba.
Head Coach Bec Bulley has selected her 10 contracted players to make the trip for the pre-season clash at Clive Berghofer Recreation Centre despite the gruelling four-match schedule at last weekend's Suncorp Team Girls Cup on the Gold Coast.
The match is the second Suncorp Spirit Cup, after last year’s inaugural game in Mackay, and is proudly supported by the Queensland Government.
“Last year’s Suncorp Spirit Cup was a great way to begin our pre-season and now we are eager to complete our preparations for the 2023 Suncorp Super Netball campaign with Saturday’s match in Toowoomba,” Bulley said.
“I know both teams will be keen to head into the season on the back of a win and we’re excited to renew our rivalry with the Lightning in front of a sell-out crowd in Toowoomba.”
The Lightning meanwhile have rested Tara Hinchliffe and included training partners Ava Black, Leilani Rohweder and Bridey Condren in their 11-strong selection.
Lightning Head Coach Belinda Reynolds is looking forward to the contest as it is an important match heading into the season.
“We’re all really looking forward to connecting with our fans in Toowoomba and giving them a taste of a Suncorp Super Netball game,” she said.
“The previous Suncorp Spirit Cup in Mackay was our first opportunity to connect as a group as we’d only been together a short period of time, whereas Toowoomba will be our final pressure test before Round 1 of the Suncorp Super Netball season.
“We’re expecting a highly competitive match against the Firebirds and are looking to build on our performances from the recent Team Girls Cup.”
Saturday’s match begins with centre pass from 3pm AEST and will be livestreamed. Be sure to keep an eye on Firebirds and Lighting social media channels for livestream information.
SUNCORP SPIRIT CUP TEAMS
Queensland Firebirds: Kim Ravaillion (capt), Lara Dunkley, Macy Gardner, Donnell Wallam, Ruby Bakewell-Doran, Mia Stower, Remi Kamo, Ash Unie, Emily Moore, Gabi Simpson.
Sunshine Coast Lightning: Steph Wood (capt), Laura Scherian, Cara Koenen, Charlie Bell, Mahalia Cassidy, Ava Black, Leilani Rohweder, Bridey Condren, Karla Pretorius, Kadie-Ann Dehaney, Ashleigh Ervin.
