'It’s the right time': Roselee Jencke quits as Queensland Firebirds coach
Queensland Firebirds coach Roselee Jencke has stepped down after 11 years with the Super Netball club.
With the second-highest total of national league games as coach, Jencke’s 11-year tenure included three premierships, five grand final appearances and an undefeated season in 2011.
Jencke made the decision following the conclusion of the Firebirds’ Super Netball campaign, saying the time was right for change. After a slow start, the Firebirds had a rousing finish to come fifth in the regular season.
“Finishing the season with strong momentum has positioned this group well for the future, so it’s the right time for the team to start their next chapter,” Jencke said.
“I’m very proud of everything we have achieved over the last 11 years - there have been challenging times, however there have been many more moments of joy and success, and I want to thank everyone in the club and our wonderful fans for their support over the years.”
The Firebirds have commenced the recruitment process for a new coach for the 2021 season and beyond.
Meanwhile, Australia captain Caitlin Bassett will play in New Zealand next year, effectively forced out by Super Netball rule changes. Bassett announced on Thursday she would cut short her Giants contract and had signed a one-year deal with Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic.
The 32-year-old got limited court time in the Australian competition this season after the introduction of the two-point Super Shot, which isn’t used in New Zealand.
Bassett didn’t take to the court at all in the final three games of the season, although she was injured at training ahead of the Giants’ last-round draw. Given other teams still managed to successfully utilise their holding shooters, there were rumblings of a fallout with Giants coach Julie Fitzgerald, who preferred rising star Kiera Austin.
Bassett said her decision was about getting more court time and she was still committed to playing international netball. A two-time World Cup winner, she was recently named in the 2020-21 Diamonds squad which will prepare to take on New Zealand in a Constellation Cup series in early 2021.
“I’ve had great conversations with key people within the Diamonds programs and we all agree that court time is essential for my development,” Bassett said. “My intention is to be a key part of our Birmingham Commonwealth Games team in 2022, and I’m looking forward to continuing to work with the squad while playing for the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic next year.”
Diamonds coach Stacey Marinkovich said it was unfortunate to see Bassett leave Super Netball, but her Australia spot wasn’t under threat.
“While we are disappointed that Caitlin has decided to leave our domestic competition, we acknowledge and value her contribution to the league over many years and respect her decision to move to the New Zealand competition,” Marinkovich said.
“Caitlin is a valued member of the Origin Diamonds squad and we look forward to working with her and the rest of the group as we prepare for the resumption of international competition in 2021.”
Fitzgerald said releasing Bassett from the final year of her three-year deal was best for both parties. “Caitlin and I had some open and honest discussions at the back half of the season and we both agree that the time is right for her to explore other opportunities,” Fitzgerald said.