WAYNE’S WORLD
Broncos coach Bennett imparts wisdom as Diamonds seek World Cup sparkle
THE Australian Diamonds drafted Wayne Bennett into camp yesterday as they began their netball world title preparation at the Gold Coast.
The rugby league coaching great looked the odd man out among 18 of Australia’s most dynamic netballers in their first session since coach Lisa Alexander announced her team for the World Cup defence in Sydney next month.
Yet in the relatively small world of Australian sport Bennett has ties to the national team through captain Laura Geitz, who was raised in Allora – the birthplace of the Broncos coach.
He is also a mentor to Alexander – who spent time at the Broncos’ Red Hill base earlier this season.
“I’d always admired Wayne’s work,” Alexander said.
“To have him here (is an honour). The girls are all familiar with his work because I often use his quotes.”
Australia will train at the Gold Coast and Newcastle ahead of the Netball World Cup, which opens at Homebush on August 7.
Yesterday’s session was Alexander’s first opportunity to see vice-captain Kim Green in action since the New South Wales Swifts’ grand final loss to the Queensland Firebirds.
The star midcourter has battled a nagging calf injury for most of the season and faces a demanding schedule for the Diamonds, who must play eight matches in 10 days to win the world title.
But Alexander is convinced Green’s dodgy calf can survive at least four full games during the tournament.
“She’s taken a load from her off-court commitments and now has a good training base,” the coach said.
“She’s in good shape and we’re happy with her progress. We wanted to give her every opportunity to make sure she could play.”
Paige Hadley will provide cover for Green.
Firebirds Clare McMeniman, Gretel Tippett and Gabi Simpson were among six additional training players injected into the camp yesterday.
Tippett (pictured) said she was excited to be brought in to the squad for preparations.
The Gold Coast-raised goal attack said it was a dream to be part of the program ahead of the World Cup campaign.
“I sat down with Rose (Queensland coach Roselee Jencke) at the start of the season and wrote out a few goals,” she said.
“The squad was a goal (for this season) … but I knew it was a long shot and knew I had to work very, very hard.
“That’s definitely a dream to play in the world championships or the Commonwealth Games but I’m really excited for the opportunity that they’ve taken me in to camp and shown me what it’s like to train like a Diamond.”
The Diamonds are training at All Saints Anglican School.
Of course I said yes. It’s the scariest thing ever– and a huge step-up forme –but I’m excited.
NETBALL: Rising Gold Coast star Kristen Oxenford has been given a chance to rub shoulders with the best players in the game.
Oxenford, 19, has been invited to play two practice matches against the Australian Diamonds, who are in camp on the Gold Coast for the next three days.
After some excellent form playing with the Queensland Fusion in the second-tier Australian Netball League, Oxenford was contacted by Queensland Firebirds coach Rosalee Jenke who asked if she was available to play trial matches.
Jenke will coach the sides against the Diamonds.
“Of course I said yes,” Oxenford told the Bulletin yesterday.
“It’s the scariest thing ever – and a huge step-up for me – but I’m excited.”
The Golden South Jaguars product (state league) could get some time playing in the midcourt.
This would result in her having to go head to head with Firebirds midcourt star Kim Ravallion.
It would be a massive test for Oxenford but one she will no doubt embrace.
The trial games against the Diamonds squad are booked for All Saints Anglican School
KRISTEN OXENFORD
tonight and late on Thursday afternoon.
Meanwhile, the Golden South Jaguars have matches in the Queensland State Netball League in Brisbane tonight.
The Division 1 women (2-5 for the season) are up against Brisbane South Wildcats (5-1) in what could prove to be a tough match.
While the ladder leading Division 2 side (11-1) is up against a strong opponent in the SunCoast Lynx (7-1-1).
Both games will be played at the State Netball Centre.