Nelson Bay Netball 2026 rep squads for State Junior and Senior Titles

EMERGING midcourter Millah Brown is part of an outstanding crop of Nelson Bay netballers that will feature at next year’s Netball NSW Junior State Titles and State Senior Championships in Sydney.

The promising fourteen year old capped a memorable fortnight with selection in the Nelson Bay 15 years representative team after tasting championship success with her award-winning Lava Girls outfit.

Brown was best on court and received the Umpires Award when the Lava Girls blitzed minor premiers Bluebelles 34-22 on Grand Final Day to clinch the Cadet Division (15-17 years) title.

Later at the Nelson Bay Netball Association (NBNA) Presentation Night at Soldiers Point Bowling Club, an excited Millah had plenty of reasons to celebrate when her Lava Girls side received their individual premiership trophies and were named Team of the Year.

In yet another accolade, Brown took out the Junior Umpire of the Year award, just three weeks after being awarded her Association C badge.

Nelson Bay Netball’s rising young talent featured prominently in the association’s 2026 junior and senior representative squads.

The district’s best netballers have gained selection in the 12 years, 13 years, 14 years, 15 years, 17years and Open squads to compete at the Netball NSW Junior State Titles and State Senior Championships to be staged in Sydney next year.

Newly inducted NBNA president Ashleigh Martin told News Of The Area that all players named were ”recognised for their skilful performances throughout the season and during selection trials.”

“We have an outstanding crop of juniors coming through the ranks plus experienced senior players that will represent the association with distinction,” quipped Ashleigh, a talented player and leading official in her own right.

Coach of the Year Linda Jones will guide the Bay’s Senior Opens representative squad along with manager Nicole Brady.

The Opens squad is: Abbey Hunter, Lucy Levido, Ella Jones, Tara Kenny, Brooke Hunter, Makayla Caulfield, Eve Nicol, Emily Milton; Train on: Fran Seruilumi, Amy Oakey.

NBNA Representative Convenor Amanda Wilks has been appointed Head Coach of the 17 yrs representative squad with daughter Taylar as her assistant and Michelle Chadwick as manager.

The 17 yrs squad includes Emma Tibbs, Tayla Provis, Anneliese Jones, Melody Tibbs, Gabby McCallum, Piper Mullins, Georgia Burgess, Lucy Solomon-James, Amber Redman, Hartley Cobb-Hamilton, Kate Slade and Charli Ball.

Nelson Bay’s 15 yrs representative squad will be coached by the experienced Fiona McGrath with Michelle Weber appointed manager.

The 15 yrs squad features Ciara Cullen, Alexis Scott, Haizel Bird, Nirvana Goyne, Millah Brown, Kaitlin Burgess, Sophie Bless, Talia Sloan, Kobie Clarke; Train on: Sophie Edwards and Lilly Holliday.

Suzanne Shelley will coach the 14 yrs representative squad with Cassandra Grace as manager.

The 14 yrs squad includes Maggie Feldman, Adalyn Wilson, Charlotte Clark, Lexi Jackson, Emily Watson, Armani Howarth, Mackenzie O’Hara, Evie Burns, Samantha Skinner, Chelsea Grace; Train on: Harlow Earnshaw.

Taylar Wilks is Head Coach of the 13 yrs representative squad with mother Amanda her assistant and Michelle Chadwick to back up as team manager.

The 13 yrs squad is: Brynne Dagwell, Shaela Gilbert, Macey Matthews, Emilie Weaver, Isabella McFarlane, Zara McCaul, Maeve Lewis, Scarlett Lui and Indiana Bales.

State Junior championship-winning coach Taylah Whitty and experienced assistant Kerry Whitty will mentor Nelson Bay’s talented 12 yrs representative squad that includes Faith Karas, Sailor Jenkins, Bella Edwards, Gemma Edwards, Jacinta Scott, Willow Earnshaw, Mia Petrellis, Willoughby Weber and Emily Noble.

The squad will be managed by Tahlia Brien.

Coach Taylah and mother Kerry are Medowie Netball Club stalwarts with a wealth of experience and masterminded Nelson Bay’s State Junior 12 yrs Division 4 championship title triumph back in 2026.

By Chris KARAS