Queensland Firebirds shooting stars Gretel Bueta and Donnell Wallam have been named in the 2022-23 Origin Australian Diamonds squad.
The announcement was made on Thursday night as the Diamonds start their preparations ahead of this year’s Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
Wallam continues her meteoric rise and is the only new addition to the squad that competed at the Quad Series, with Bueta again included.
“We have such a great depth of talent within our system across every position on the court and I congratulate those who have been selected,” Origin Australian Diamonds head coach Stacey Marinkovich said.
“We have selected 18 athletes and will continue to closely monitor performances throughout the Suncorp Super Netball season, with the potential to add to the squad throughout the year.
“This squad showcases an incredible breadth of experience and new emerging talent.
“We have our sights firmly set on the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games, and we are also incredibly excited for international netball to return to Australian soil later this year.”
Firebirds head coach Megan Anderson said she was equally impressed with the form of Wallam and Bueta and proud of their selection.
Wallam has taken the world by storm in her debut season with both the Firebirds and in Suncorp Super Netball, which has her coach and many others blown away with her performance.
“Nelly’s inclusion is just amazing and shows her enormous potential to take the game to a new level,” Anderson said.
“Given she’s only played five games at SSN level and has not been exposed to any Netball Australia pathways, her rise to this level is truly awe inspiring.
“Nelly has been a delight to coach, and I love her quiet determination, competitiveness and willingness to do everything possible to improve.”
In the recent Quad Series the talented Bueta was named Player of the Series and Player of the Match in the final – making it no surprise she is once again named in the team.
Anderson said despite it not being Bueta’s first time in green and gold that it would still be a special moment for the star goaler.
“The opportunity to play for your country is something that no netballer takes for granted and I know Gretel will be so grateful and honoured to be given the opportunity again,” Anderson said.
“She’s shown this year her incredible drive to continue to better herself as a player, both on and off the court.
“Her on court performances has been a testament to her work ethic in 2022, she has been phenomenal for us this season.”
Netball Australia is currently working through the Origin Australian Diamonds international fixtures, including the Constellation Cup, with more information to be shared in the coming months.
