New Zealand-born Burns has been brought into the Firebirds’ team for the pre-season clash against Queensland rivals Sunshine Coast Lightning in an exciting opportunity for the 22-year-old.
Gardner will remain in Brisbane to rest a minor ankle injury.
“Macy’s priority is to rest and get her ankle recovered ahead of a busy pre-season schedule in March,” Firebirds Head Coach Bec Bulley said.
“We wish her a speedy recovery.
“It’s a shame Macy won’t be coming to Townsville but it also presents an exciting opportunity for Rylee to come with us and be part of an important fixture in our pre-season plans.”
Burns is a multiple-premiership winner at HART Sapphire Series level with the ACU Brisbane North Cougars, playing alongside Gardner and other Firebirds’ teammates Ruby Bakewell-Doran and Remi Kamo at that level.
Primarily a goal attack, Burns was also a member of the Firebirds Futures squad at last year’s Australian Netball Championships where she showed her ability across the court with the second-highest rate of centre pass involvements per 60 minutes of any player.
Firebirds captain Kim Ravaillion will travel with the team as she continues her rehabilitation from off-season spinal surgery, with vice-captain Lara Dunkley set to lead the team on the court.
The Firebirds face the Lightning in the third Suncorp Spirit Cup from 5pm at Townsville Stadium.
The match has been made possible due to a grant from Townsville City Council and fans are asked to keep an eye on Firebirds and Lighting social media channels for livestream information.
QUEENSLAND FIREBIRDS: Donnell Wallam, Ali Miller, Emily Moore, Tippah Dwan, Lara Dunkley, Rylee Burns, Hulita Veve, Sasha-May Flegler, Ruby Bakewell-Doran, Remi Kamo, Isabelle Shearer.
