Star rookies re-sign with Firebirds

THE Queensland Firebirds have locked in rising stars Donnell Wallam and Ruby Bakewell-doran for 2023, taking the two biggest free agents in the game off the table before other clubs could snap up the Diamonds squad members.

The Firebirds signed just three members of their fulltime roster to two-year deals last year when all players in the league were off-contract.

Failing to lock down the pair, who have both risen to Diamonds squad representatives after just one year in the league, would be disastrous for the Firebirds but by locking them in, they now have the nucleus of a successful squad for next season.

Wallam (pictured, right) said re-signing was “an easy decision”. While no decision has yet been made on a replacement for coach Megan Anderson, Wallam said she was comfortable re-signing, believing the Firebirds were building a strong group and culture.

“I am confident within our group that the staff has made the right decision but I think yeah, we’ve got a good culture at the club, so it’ll be smooth sailing,” she said.

Bakewell-doran (pictured, left) also said re-signing was an obvious move after a stellar rookie year in which she started as a bench player.

“I think when you get your first contract, it’s really exciting, but to know that I’ve had a good enough season to be reoffered is just a really nice feeling, you feel very secure and wanted,” she said.

“To see how close we came (to finals) this year … taking that into next season is so exciting to know what we are actually capable of.”