The Queensland Firebirds are set to roll out the welcome mat at their home, Nissan Arena, with all 8 Suncorp Super Netball clubs to be based in Queensland ahead of the opening round of the season.
Further border restrictions announced today by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has seen games originally scheduled for Sydney this weekend moved to Nissan Arena, with Brisbane to play host to all games in the opening round of the Suncorp Super Netball season.
Under the revised fixture, the ‘Battle of the Bruce’ between the Queensland Firebirds and Sunshine Coast Lightning will still open the season on Saturday afternoon, with the Adelaide Thunderbirds and West Coast Fever to face-off in Saturday’s second game.
Round 1 will also now see GIANTS Netball and NSW Swifts meet in a derby clash at Nissan Arena on Sunday, while the Melbourne Vixens and Collingwood Magpies will play on Sunday evening during their final hours of quarantine.
Netball Queensland CEO, Catherine Clark, said the clubs will be welcomed with open arms.
“Our Victorian sisters have enjoyed true Queensland hospitality since making the move last week, and the same warm welcome will be extended to our friends from New South Wales, South and Western Australia,” Clark said.
“While we are fierce rivals on the court, the current environment and our game’s response speaks volumes of the ‘here if you need’ mentality at the very heart of netball – we are 100% united.”
“It’s an incredible sacrifice to leave behind family and loved ones, particularly in locations of increasing concern, so we want to ensure these clubs feel a sense of belonging and community throughout their time in Queensland.”
“As one of the premier indoor sporting facilities in the country we know Nissan Arena will meet their High Performance needs, and there’s no doubt our passionate netball community across Queensland will embrace the opportunity to host the world’s best competition in their backyard.”
The Queensland Firebirds will host the Sunshine Coast Lightning in the ‘Battle of the Bruce’ on Saturday to kickstart the 2020 Suncorp Super Netball Season.
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