Netball Fiji has officially announced a 15-member Baby Pearls squad set to travel to Townsville, Queensland today for the Ruby North competition. This event is part of Netball Queensland’s initiative aimed at providing elite athletes from central and northern Queensland with high-level competitive exposure. It will significantly aid the Baby Pearls in their preparations for future international fixtures, including the upcoming Netball World Youth Cup.
Head coach Simone Nalatu expressed enthusiasm for the tour, describing it as a crucial opportunity for her young team to experience different opponents and playing styles. “We’re really excited to be part of the competition and play at a different level of netball. This exposure is essential as we prepare for the World Youth Cup,” Nalatu remarked. The Baby Pearls will participate in three matches during their stay, with their first match scheduled for Saturday, followed by two additional games on Sunday.
In addition to the tournament, six locally based players will remain in Australia for a two-week High Performance Training Program, further honing their skills.
This upcoming tour reflects a broader effort highlighted in previous announcements about the Baby Pearls, who have been undergoing rigorous training and skill enhancement under the guidance of dedicated coaching staff. Notably, the emphasis on building team dynamics and individual skills has been a consistent focus in preparation for the challenging international landscape.
Fiji’s involvement in events like the Ruby North Series shines a light on the country’s emerging talent in netball, providing a promising outlook for future generations of athletes as they prepare to make their mark on the global sports arena. The combination of local talents and high-level competition supports the growth of netball in Fiji, inspiring a new wave of interests in the sport.

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