Expansion plan gets Pulses racing

Pictured: Pulse Netball Director Karen Wilson, left, and Development Coach Temalisi Fakahokotau.

Moreton Bay will be back in the state-level HART Sapphire Series next year with a new club under a licence awarded by Netball Queensland (NQ).

The Premier Division will expand to eight semi-professional teams and Ruby Series, for reserve sides, to nine with the addition of Moreton Bay City Pulse (MBCP).

It has been launched as a franchise for Moreton Bay players. Before MBCP they would have to travel to the Sunshine Coast or Brisbane for top flight netball.

Former Silver Ferns player Temalisi Fakahokotau has been signed to help with clinics, support developing players and give an insight into the elite level.

“As a region we are thrilled to join the Sapphire Series in 2025 and showcase our netball talent,” MBCP Board Director Candice Tahuri said.

“Moreton Bay has long fostered and developed talented netball players only to lose them to other regions.

“The introduction of our own Sapphire team to the area means we can start showcasing our talent and building depth in our region.

“We are excited to bring our unique style and flair to the game.”

MBCP will have teams at the State Titles, in Nissan Arena at Nathan from September 14-7, playing in navy, teal, peach and white colours.

Trials for the Under 16 and Under 18 teams are on July 7 and 14 only for players from Caboolture, Pine Rivers and Redcliffe Leagues Netball Associations.

These follow senior player clinics in the June school holidays which will showcase the environment of MBCP's Emerald, Ruby and Sapphire teams.

Junior clinics, coaching clinics and umpire support programs are being developed and MBCP has been approached to provide school netball programs.

For further details visit the MBCP Facebook page. Click here

MBCP started last July in a conversation between Candice Tahui, owner of MBCP's main sponsor Family First Care in North Lakes and Karen Wilson, the club's first Netball Director.

Karen is a Collegiate coach under Caboolture Netball Association, but has coaching with experience at various levels in Australia and New Zealand.

Both wanted to improve the pathway for netballers in this region and saw an opportunity by creating a new franchise in Moreton Bay.

The move was supported by Caboolture, Pine Rivers and Redcliffe Leagues Netball Associations - and Netball Queensland gave the green light in April.

“Many HART Sapphire Series players have come from the Moreton Bay area and the region’s contribution to NQ pathway competitions is significant," NQ General Manager - Netball Glenn Dennis said.

“Expanding that presence with an elite club of their own is a thrill.”