The Queensland Firebirds will take centre stage against the Sunshine Coast Lightning in a Queensland derby of epic proportions on Sunday.
In a celebration of all things Queensland, Townsville duo, Kim Jenner (Firebird’s defender) and Steph Wood (Lightning goal attack) are likely to start against each other in Sunday’s Firebirds Vs Lightning game to be played on the Sunshine Coast.
Queensland Firebirds CEO, Catherine Clark, said she was excited to see talented Queensland netballers take centre stage in this weekend’s game and knows that this game will be hotly contested.
“We’re proud of the sensational, home grown talent here in Queensland. And, what a way to celebrate the finish of our Indigenous rounds and the start of celebrating all things Queensland. From the Far North and Torres Strait through to our regional areas and South-East Queensland – this weekend you’ll see some of the best netballers in the world take the court. We have some sensational talent in Queensland”, Clark said.
“There are so many games that are being decided in the final seconds – by one point or shot – so, we expect a hotly contested game this weekend.”
Firebirds Head Coach, Megan Anderson echoed Catherine’s sentiments about the depth of the Queensland talent.
“We have some great depth in our Firebirds team. To all Queenslanders and those of us who now call Queensland home, we’ve been working hard to see if we can bring home the win this weekend”, Anderson said.
“I’d like to give a special shout out to our fans for their support this week – particularly our international supporters from Romelda’s home – our beloved Jamaica, who sent some beautiful messages about our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rounds and celebrated our cultural pride.”
As part of Queensland Week celebrations, shooting sensation Gretel Bueta and Firebirds Captain Gabi Simpson will also share their story about what Queensland means to them when celebrations start on Sunday. https://youtu.be/8AxH0DAUb-4
The game will be a true celebration of Queensland talent on both sides with Firebirds Kim Jenner from Townsville, Gretel Bueta from the Gold Coast, and Tippah Dwan and Tara Hinchliffe from Brisbane.
Lightning player Maddy McAuliffe is also from Townsville and will play alongside Ashlee Unie from the Sunshine Coast, Cara Koenen from Thuringowa with Firebirds convert Mahalia Cassidy from Redcliffe rounding out the Queensland connections. Tara’s sister, Maddie Hinchliffe (a Brisbane girl), who is currently recovering from injury, is likely to make her way back into the side to play the Firebirds in our last home game of the season.
The Firebirds last home round on 31 July will also be against the Lightning at home, so it would be great for Tara and Maddie’s families to see them play on the same court albeit on opposing teams!
The Firebirds will play their sixth game of the season against the Sunshine Coast Lightning on Sunday, 6 June at 3pm. Viewers can also watch the game on the Netball Live App or on Telstra TV.
For more information about the upcoming season games, including how you can become a member of the purple family, visit firebirds.net.au
