Rays look at bright side

THE only way to go is up. That is the mentality the Northern Rays are adopting as they try to turn the suspension of the Sapphire Series into a positive.

As the coronavirus pandemic shuts down sport across the globe, the Queensland state netball league has followed suit with its intended start date in June pushed back to October 17.

With head coach Gail Parain New Zealand with her ta family due to border closures, her deputy Angela Cooper has taken on the responsibility of guiding the squad in Townsville.

Cooper said they were doing everything they could to prepare for the season and to stay in an optimistic frame of mind.

She said this period would illustrate more vividly the strength of fortitude of the players prior to the season’s inevitable start.

“Obviously it’s terrible what is going on so we’ve made the most of putting a positive light on it,” Cooper said. “We’ve already seen areas that really needed improvement and this is allowing us to work on those areas.

“What Gail has stated is no one’s spot is guaranteed, the girls have to do the hard work behind the scenes. The ball is in their court.

“This is Sapphire Series; we’re ensuring they’re well equipped, they understand that and they’re doing everything behind the scenes to be in the best shape possible.”

Each player has been given a ‘train at home’ program specific to their position, while also covering endurance, speed, strength and overall skills.

Regular contact with the group is focal to the team’s plans in order to get through this chapter an even better outfit than prior to COVID-19’S outbreak. Despite being in level four lockdown in her native New Zealand, Parata has the players reporting on their results for each program to ensure they are improving with each day.

But in this time of self-imposed isolation, the squad have found ways to make it a more enjoyable affair.

Whether by having each session filmed or getting the players to wear more flamboyant clothing to lighten the mood, Cooper said keeping morale high would be vital throughout this period.

“We want to keep them motivated throughout this time, which is obviously good for their mental health as well,” she said.

“They all inspire each other to keep going, doing their programs in their backyards.

“The girls have taken it and are doing the hard work behind the scenes, but there’s a lot more work to do.

“I know the girls are keen to keep lifting their game … it’s not ideal but we have to do what we can in this environment.”