In week 1 of First Nations Round, Sunshine Coast Lightning and the Queensland Firebirds will face off for the Queensland Cup at UniSC Arena.
It’s always a fierce match-up between the two Queensland sides, both wanting bragging rights for the first game of 2024.
KEY MATCH UP
Ashleigh Ervin v Donnell Wallam
Coming off a player of the round performance last weekend, Ervin has been in fantastic form, shutting down some of the best shooters in the competition. She’s also formed a formidable combination with Tara Hinchliffe in the circle.
Wallam is a strong target for the Firebirds and incredibly accurate to post, so Ervin will be wanting to shut down that option.
COACH'S COMMENT
Lightning Head Coach Belinda Reynolds said it’s always a good match up for the Queensland teams.
“We love coming up against the Firebirds, it’s the battle of the two Queensland teams,” she said.
“Firebirds have been playing a great brand of netball and obviously haven’t got over the line in some games, so it’ll be a tough contest and I’m really looking forward to it.
“It’s another sell-out here at UniSC Arena, so we’re really looking forward to playing back home again.”
LAST TIME THEY MET
Round 14 2024, Lightning (66) – Firebirds (60)
THE TEAM
- Steph Fretwell (C)
- Cara Koenen
- Tara Hinchliffe
- Reilley Batcheldor
- Ashleigh Ervin
- Leesa Mi Mi
- Liz Watson
- Mahalia Cassidy
- Maddie Hinchliffe
- Shannon Eagland (TRP)
MATCH DETAILS
- Suncorp Super Netball Round 7
- Sunshine Coast Lightning v Queensland Firebirds
- UniSC Arena
- 5pm AEST, Saturday 25 May
HOW TO WATCH
Catch the match live or on demand on Kayo Freebies or Foxtel for viewers within Australia.
For international viewers, watch the game via Netball Pass.
