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Queensland to host Super Netball comp

3 minute read

A condensed Super Netball competition will get under way in Queensland on August 1 with all teams to be based in the Sunshine State.

Super Netball is the latest sport to relocate to Queensland, giving weight to the state's claim as Australia's new sporting capital.

All six interstate Super Netball teams will move to Queensland before the August 1 competition start date, with officials planning a condensed season.

They join six Victorian AFL teams, NRL club Melbourne and the 10-team Supercars Championship, who have shifted away from coronavirus hotspots.

The NRL is considering an entire competition relocation if NSW can't get on top of a concerning number of COVID-19 cases.

Victoria's two teams, Melbourne Vixens and Collingwood, will arrive in the Sunshine State on Sunday and will be joined, at least temporarily, by teams from NSW, South Australia and Western Australia.

Super Netball officials announced games, including the finals series, will be played in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Townsville and Cairns.

"What a great coup, it is going to be a netball bonanza," Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said.

"It's going to mean millions of dollars injected into Queensland.

"We have AFL one day and Super Netball the next, it is absolutely golden news."

The eight-team netball competition will still be made up of 14 rounds and a normal finals series but will be played in a condensed format, meaning mid-week matches.

Super Netball bosses are hopeful that there still may be some home games for non-Queensland clubs but that depends on border restrictions and the latest health advice.

The first phase of the fixture will be announced this week with the Victorian teams, who will quarantine for 14 days, set to square off on August 1.

Suncorp Super Netball CEO Chris Symington said his organisation was thankful to have the Queensland government's backing.

"This support from the Queensland government will ensure we're able to deliver a full 60-match season of the world's best netball to fans all over Australia and the world, so we thank them immensely for their support and for accommodating the entire league," he said in a statement on Sunday.

"We understand the sacrifice our athletes, supports staff and umpires will be making by relocating to Queensland for an extended period of time and we will be putting the necessary structures and processes in place to ensure they are all adequately supported during this time."

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