The Chronicle

SUPER NETBALL DEAL EARNS HIGH PRAISE

- JASON GIBBS

A STEELY resolve through the two-year Covid crisis has paid off for Netball Australia.

Working with the Australian Netball Players Associatio­n, the national body has secured a landmark pay deal for Super Netball.

The deal, which delivers significan­t rises to the overall salary cap of teams as well as increases to the average minimum and average maximum player salaries, has earned high praise from Toowoomba’s netball community.

NETBALL: After months of uncertaint­y, a landmark Super Netball pay deal has further enhanced netball’s status as Australia’s benchmark female sport.

The collective player agreement (CPA) negotiated between Netball Australia (NA) and the Australian Netball Players Associatio­n (ANPA) ensures Super Netball players are now the highest paid female athletes in the country.

“I’m know I’m a little bias, but I’ve always considered netball to be the leading women’s team sport in the country,” Darling Downs Panthers veteran Jane Herrick said.

“I think this deal is a massive step in the direction.

“Super Netball players have always committed to playing the game at an elite level, but the income hasn’t always been at the same level.

“The deal gives them (the players) the opportunit­y to focus more on their sport without the extra pressures.

“Hopefully it also means other female athletes can negotiate better deals as well.”

The agreement delivers significan­t rises to the overall salary cap of teams as well as increases to the average minimum and average maximum player salaries and is supported by Super Netball’s new broadcast deal with the Foxtel Group.

“It’s great to see Super Netball will be televised more,” Herrick said.

“It will help the game grow. “Not everyone has the opportunit­y to go and watch a Firebirds game live.

“Having it on Foxtel and other broadcasts gives more people the chance to see how the game is played at that level.

“It will inspire the next generation of players because they’ll be able to pick up little things they can practise and work on.”

 ?? Picture: Getty Images ?? ON TARGET: Queensland Firebirds shooter Romelda Aiken lines up a shot.
Picture: Getty Images ON TARGET: Queensland Firebirds shooter Romelda Aiken lines up a shot.
 ?? Picture: Nev Madsen ?? GOOD MOVE: Darling Downs Panthers player Jane Herrick (right) believes the new Super Netball player pay rise is a great move for the sport.
Picture: Nev Madsen GOOD MOVE: Darling Downs Panthers player Jane Herrick (right) believes the new Super Netball player pay rise is a great move for the sport.

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