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Diamonds open netball Cup in Queensland

3 minute read

The Diamonds will aim to get on the front foot in the Constellation Cup, with two games in Queensland to open the trans-Tasman netball series against the Kiwis.

STACEY MARINKOVICH.
STACEY MARINKOVICH. Picture: Ross Swanborough/Getty Images

Australia will play their first netball Test in Cairns with the Diamonds looking to wrest back the Constellation Cup from New Zealand.

The Diamonds will open their campaign at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on October 13, before travelling north to Cairns Convention Centre on October 17.

It will mark the first time the Diamonds have played a Test match in Cairns.

The series will then shift across the Tasman for two games in the following week in Auckland and Wellington.

When the two sides met in New Zealand in March this year the Silver Ferns reclaimed the Constellation Cup for the first time in eight years - winning the series 3-1.

All four matches were closed to the public due to the coronavirus pandemic, but crowds are set to return this October.

Diamonds coach Stacey Marinkovich was delighted to play two home games in Queensland before moving to New Zealand through the Trans-Tasman travel bubble.

"It's fantastic to have international netball return to Australia," Marinkovich said.

"The last result was disappointing, but our new group took a number of learnings out of the series and we will continue to grow as we set our sights on bringing the Constellation Cup back to Australia.

"It has been a long time since netball fans have been able to watch live international netball in Australia, and we hope to have a huge home crowd advantage in Brisbane and Cairns."

Marinkovich and national selectors Anne Sargeant OAM and Michelle Wilkins will announce the playing squad in late August.

Constellation Cup schedule

October 13 at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre

October 17 at the Cairns Convention Centre

October 21 at Spark Arena in Auckland

October 24 at TSB Arena in Wellington

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