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Firebirds Bring The Heat

The Queensland Firebirds defeated the Sunshine Coast Lightning to claim the inaugural Suncorp Spirit Cup in Mackay. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

NETBALL

The Queensland Firebirds finally took to the court at Mackay Multisport Stadium last Saturday, taking on the Sunshine Coast Lightning for the inaugural Suncorp Spirit Cup. It’s been almost a year since the Firebirds announced their intentions of visiting the sugar city and Mackay netball fans were hungry, turning out in force to cheer their team home.

The match started in a physical, end-toend fashion, with both shooters rarely missing. The first of five ten-minute periods finished with the Firebirds down 13-14.

The second period played out in a similar affair, finishing with the Lightning on 24 to the Firebirds’ 22.

It wasn’t until the third period that the Firebirds took the lead for the first time, starting the period with four quick goals. The Lightning finished the period with a Super Shot on the buzzer, bringing the Firebirds’ lead back to 38-32.

The Firebirds started to find their groove in the fourth period, stretching their lead out to 47-38. The Lightning started the fifth period strongly, but the Firebirds refused to relent, cranking up the heat to finish the game 56-46 victors. It was Firebirds Coach Bec Bulley’s first game in the role, saying she found the Mackay crowd “incredible”. “I was a little bit nervous before the game, but I’m so stoked with the win and how everyone played,” she said. “I think these opportunities would mean so much to these country people. “I hope everyone enjoyed it because we certainly enjoyed playing in front of the local crowd.”

The Firebirds hosted a Night With The Firebirds dinner the previous night and coaching clinics the morning of the match with Firebirds defender Remi Kamo describing her time in Mackay as “wonderful”.

“How good’s Mackay?” she exclaimed. “It was wonderful getting to see so many different young athletes at the clinic, catching up with Mackay Netball Association and seeing what they’re all about, it was really hot but it was worth it for all the smiling faces.”

CUTTERS COMPLETE THE PUZZLE WITH NEW WOMEN’S TEAM

RUGBY LEAGUE

The Mackay Cutters have announced their sixth team in the statewide Queensland Cup competitions with the inclusion of the Mackay Cutters BMD Premiership team. The announcement comes following the North Queensland Cowboys entry into the NRLW and provides a direct pathway to the game’s top league, with players from the North Queensland Gold Stars (Townsville) and Northern Pride (Cairns) systems to be involved in the Cutters squad. “We’re really excited and proud to have the team represented out of Mackay and it’s going to be great for our pathway here for women’s footy,” said Cutters CEO Mitch Cook. future of our game and in Mackay, we produce so much talent in the male and female game.” It is hoped that the BMD Premiership season will transition into the NRLW season, allowing players to be eligible for both competitions. “It provides a direct pathway for our local girls to progress from junior rugby league to the NRLW competition within our own region,” said Cutters Head of Football Kim Williams.

“It is an extremely exciting time for women’s rugby league in Mackay, and we look forward to working closely with the North Queensland Cowboys as they prepare for their first season in the NRLW competition.” New BMD Premiership Cutters Coach Marco Peters has long been a coach, mentor and advocate in the women’s game and with training already underway, he said he has high hopes for the Cutters’ inaugural season.

“We’ve got a really good squad so we just want to build off that … we should go really well, we should be very competitive,” he said.

“We’re a genuine pathway to the Cowboys … and that’s our job, to get them ready for that.”

Former North Queensland Gold Stars Emma Manzelmann and Jasmine Peters both made their NRLW debuts earlier this year for the Newcastle Knights and Gold Coast Titans respectively and are excited to play in front of their home crowd with the Cutters next season.

“Playing for your hometown means more,” said Ms Manzelmann.

“Showing the younger generation what pathway there is to follow from U13s right through and with the Cowboys coming in next year, there’s literally the whole pathway right up to NRLW.” “I’m really excited to see what will happen next year,” added Ms Peters. “I started my journey with football in Mackay so to bring it back to local is just amazing. “I’m just hoping to guide (teammates) and show them what it takes at this level … and make the next step to NRLW.”

Jasmine Peters, Marco Peters and Emma Manzelmann. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie