Netball Queensland has announced the 2027 intake for the newly named Queensland Firebirds Academy as part of the ongoing streamlining of the organisation’s elite pathways.
The program has been renamed from the Queensland Firebirds Futures Academy, while the Queensland Firebirds Futures will now be known as the Queensland Firebirds Reserves.
The updated identities, supported by official Foundation Partner BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA), create a clearer and more consistent connection between the Firebirds’ emerging talent programs and the elite team. The Queensland Firebirds Reserves will compete under their new name in the 2027 Super Netball Reserves competition.
Fourteen athletes from across Queensland’s pathway competitions have been selected for the 2027 Academy intake. The program will provide a high-performance training environment designed to support their continued development and prepare them for opportunities at the next level.
Netball Queensland General Manager - Professional Netball Adrian Thompson said the updated names reflected the organisation’s commitment to a clear, connected pathway for Queensland athletes.
“The Queensland Firebirds Academy and Queensland Firebirds Reserves names make the purpose and progression of these programs immediately clear,” Thompson said.
“By streamlining how we identify and deliver our elite pathways, we can create stronger connections between each stage of development and give Queensland’s best emerging talent every opportunity to progress to elite and international levels.
“The Academy will continue to provide athletes with access to high-performance coaching, training and development, while the Reserves program offers an important bridge to the demands of elite netball.
“We are grateful for the ongoing support of BMA as we invest in the next generation of Queensland talent and build a pathway that is clear, ambitious and proudly connected to the Firebirds.”
The new names take effect for the 2027 season.
2027 Queensland Firebirds Academy intake
Simonè Botha (Kedron-Wavell Cougars)
Marley Burns (Kedron-Wavell Cougars)
Rio Burns (Kedron-Wavell Cougars)
Matilda Canning (Kedron-Wavell Cougars)
Holly Comyns (Bond University Bull Sharks)
Sasha Flegler (Bond University Bull Sharks)
Rhiaana Harrison (Moreton Bay City Pulse)
Charlotte Jonsen (Kedron-Wavell Cougars)
Jayden Molo (Bond University Bull Sharks)
Aaliyah Sheppard (Gold Coast Titans)
Leila Simpson (iCare Group Australia Ipswich Jets)
Ruby Stanford (iCare Group Australia Ipswich Jets)
Ashleigh Stariha (Carina Leagues Club Tigers)
Kaylee Tamala (Gold Coast Titans)
