ELITE STARS ON COURT
TOOWOOMBA TO HOST NETBALL MINI SERIES
TOOWOOMBA gets its chance to witness some of Queensland's elite netballing talent as part of the Born To Shine series held across the state this week.
The Garden City will host the third round of fixtures this evening at the Clive Berghofer Arena, pitting the Sunshine
Coast Lightning, Queensland Sapphires, Pacific and Queensland Suns against each other.
Among the gun players to take to the floor will be Toowoomba’s own Mia Stower, as she looks to continue her strong form that saw her help Cougars win in the Sapphire Series.
NETBALL: Elite netball talent is set to descend on the Downs.
A leg of the Born To Shine series will take place right here in Toowoomba, giving fans the chance to witness the Sunshine Coast Falcons, Queensland Sapphires and Suns, and a Pacific team in action on Thursday.
The Sapphires team includes Toowoomba’s own Mia Stower, who said it will be great to be back and playing in front of home fans.
“I was only saying to mum (Bec) that I haven’t played in Toowoomba since I was 17,” Stower said.
“It’s going to be great for Toowoomba to see high quality netball and I’m excited to play in front of family and friends. Not only for me but to show them how much I’ve grown.
“It’s been really good so far. We haven’t really had a Queensland comp for a few years because of Covid so it’s nice to put the Queensland dress on and play with girls you haven’t played with.
“It’s been nice to be able to relax, have fun and play competitively.”
Stower made her Super Netball debut in 2020 and was a training partner with the Firebirds this season, and said she is hopeful of locking down another roster spot. “I know it’s a bit of fun this week but you always have to perform,” she said.
“We’re very lucky that we’ve had the chance to go through this while other states haven’t.
“I’ve really enjoyed my netball this year and to go away with the Firebirds in the Melbourne hub was a good experience.
“I’m grateful that I got to play in the Sapphire Series. We took out that championship and hopefully I can get a contract.”
Queensland Netball and Firebirds high performance director Demelza McCloud (nee Fellowes) said it was great to be able to showcase the sport in regions like Toowoomba
“We really want to reward the amazing work the Panthers have been doing,” McCloud said.
“They’ve been taking netball to new heights and the club has done amazing stuff for the game.
“To be able to see that level on display, it will give players hope and inspiration. We’ll see huge growth in the Panthers in the coming years, and if players can see their dreams can come true, we think that’s important.
“Even though we love Nissan Arena, we love getting out to the regions.”
Attendance is free for the evening at Clive Berghofer Arena, USQ.
The Lightning takes on Pacific at 4pm, followed by the Sapphires and Suns at 6pm.