Nelson Bay senior netball rep squads primed for State championships

NELSON Bay’s 15-years netball representative team received a savage blow on the eve of the State senior netball championships with the loss of talented midcourter Millah Brown.

The rising prospect broke her ankle in a recent club fixture and will miss the prestigious three-day event, which will be held from this Saturday June 6 to next Monday June 8 at Kellyville Netball Courts.

It is a huge setback for the dedicated Brown, who was tipped to be one of the shining lights for the Nelson Bay contingent at this year’s State titles.

After impressive performances at representative carnivals in the Hunter Region this year, all-rounder Millah loomed as a player to watch in the 15-years squad under the coaching of experienced mentor Fiona McGrath.

After five rounds the North Stars are entrenched in the top three and downed the previously undefeated Wests Leagues Panthers 37-32 at the National Park courts last weekend.

Millah capped a memorable 2025 season in the Nelson Bay Association by tasting championship success with her award-winning Lava Girls teammates.

She was best on court and received the Umpires Award when the Lava Girls blitzed minor premiers Bluebelles 34-22 in the grand final to clinch the Cadet Division (15-17 years) title. The Lava Girls were named Team of the Year.

The promising midcourter also took out the Junior Umpire of the Year award just three weeks after being awarded her Association C badge.

Brown will be joined on the sidelines by injured team mate Haizel Bird.

Nelson Bay’s revamped nine-player 15-years representative squad to compete at the State Senior Netball titles includes Alexis Scott, Kobie Clarke, Nirvana Goyne, Sophie Edwards, Talia Sloan, Lilly Holliday, Kaitlin Burgess, Ella McFadden and Millie Stallard.

Coach of the Year Linda Jones will guide the Bay’s Senior Opens representative squad with mother-daughter duo Amanda Wilks and Taylar Wilks in charge of the 17-years combination.

By Chris KARAS