The Queensland Firebirds pre-season campaign is set to reach another milestone on Thursday night as they prepare for their first trial game of the year.
The Firebirds will face the Sunshine Coast Lightning in an unofficial edition of the ‘Battle of the Bruce’ at Morayfield Sports Centre, with the game representing the first hit out against an opposing club for both sides in 2021.
Head Coach Megan Anderson sees the game as an opportunity to set a clear benchmark leading into the Suncorp Super Netball season.
“The girls have worked incredibly hard across this first portion of the pre-season and, as a group, we are collectively excited about the opportunity to test our progress to date,” Anderson said.
“Lightning have consistently been amongst the competitions best since their first season and this rivalry always takes on added significance, regardless of whether it’s in season or not, so there’s no other side we’d rather face first to set the benchmark for our season.”
The trial game also represents a chance to test the depth of the Firebirds squad, with Gabi Simpson, Kim Jenner, Tara Hinchliffe and Tippah Dwan away with the Australian Diamonds Squad, and Gretel Bueta unavailable for selection having only recently returned to training following the birth of her first child Bobby.
“Our Training Partners and broader pre-season squad members have all taken significant steps forward since the beginning of the year, providing genuine competition for spots in our sessions.”
“You only have to look at the opportunity Tippah took with both hands in 2020 to know how deep our talent is in the Firebirds program and I have no doubt that each player will put their best foot forward if given the opportunity.”
The trial game will be played across six, 10-minute sessions with centre pass from 6pm.
To stay up to date with all the action from the trail game, make sure you’re following the Queensland Firebirds on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
