RYLEE’S TRANS-TASMAN CALL ON HOLD
RYLEE Burns is the posterchild for Queensland’s netball pathway program.
Whether that leads to an Australian Diamonds or a New Zealand Silver Ferns dress is a debate for another time.
The Bond University student and Bull Sharks wing attack has come through the Queensland system – after moving to Australia from NZ as an eight-year-old – and is also coaching the next crop of youngsters from under-8s through to under-13s.
“I’m seeing even more rep opportunities for girls to get exposed to selection,” Burns said.
“At the weekend we had our under-16s trials for the Bond Bull Sharks … I have seen so many amazing talented players in that group.
“When I was that young we didn’t have anything like that, we just had one big trial.
“So we are allowing all the young girls at Bond to get the highest level coaching to pursue a good netball career and I’m excited to see that talent coming through.”
Burns, 18, has already achieved a lot in her young netball career.
The Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science student captained Somerset College to an undefeated Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Netball championship last year.
She was named MVP of the tournament, too.
It’s no surprise. Burns, the daughter of former Kiwi international and Bull Sharks coach Sheryl, made the Queensland under-17 side at 15 and is now part of the Australian development squad.
Her goals for the future are to follow a pathway.
“I want to be in the starting seven for the Bond University Bull Sharks in the Sapphire Series and I want to get into the Queensland Fusion next year,” she said.
“I definitely want to be a Firebird before I’m 23 and hopefully represent my country, whether that be Australia or New Zealand.
“People always ask me that question but that’s down the track.”