A Super shot in arm for netball

THE revamped Suncorp Super Netball competition is expected to be a boost for the sport in the Far North with participation numbers set to soar.

The Australian-based Super Netball, the replacement for the now defunct ANZ championship played on either side of the Tasman, begins today with all new teams, colours and rivalries.

The competition has been backed by Channel 9 with a new pay deal for players and a TV commitment that includes a Saturday night live doubleheader, as well as two delayed games.

Cairns Netball operations manager Kym McPhee-Smith believes netball, as well as all women’s sport, is going from strength to strength.

“I think it is awesome that it is on free-to-air TV, it makes it more accessible for everyone,” McPhee-Smith said.

“The way women's sport is going in Australia is amazing – for all codes that is.

“This Suncorp Super Netball for young women is great to be able to do it at an elite level and as an occupation.

“Women’s sport in general has gone to the next level. It is a fantastic opportunity for all women in Australia, no matter what.

“It is just great to be able to get these major sponsors on board.

“It gives girls the oppor- tunity to play any kind of sport, in particular netball.”

The GWS Giants and NSW Swifts will kick off the comp with their 4pm local derby today, the first of a sellout opening round.

Melbourne sides the Vixens and Magpies hit the court two hours later followed by the Firebirds and Lightning in their Queensland clash.

With Cairns Netball having their sign-on day today, McPhee-Smith is optimistic of a bumper season in the Far North.

The Marlin Coast Marlins returning to the Queensland State Netball League this year is also bringing interest to the sport, according to McPheeSmith.

“Having the Suncorp Super Netball is a big drawcard as well as our brand new facilities,” she said.

“I think netball as a whole is getting more organised and that is appealing to a lot of parents who want to get their kids involved.

“Having the Marlin Coast team back in the state league is a huge drawcard locally for girls to be able to achieve.

“Locally, the Marlins is the highlight for a lot of the girls.”

Super Netball has 80 players share a pool of almost $5.5 million.

Under the new collective bargaining agreement, the average salary for netballers has risen from around $40,000 to $67,500 and the minimum wage has more than doubled to $27,375.