By Elizabeth Winter
The Baby Pearls have taken a major step towards the Netball World Youth Cup (NWYC) with an impressive showing at the 2025 Northern Pre-Season Challenge in Townsville.
Drawing Netball fans from across Queensland, the Baby Pearls competed against elite Australian regional teams, gaining valuable match experience as part of their preparations for the NWYC in Gibraltar this September.
The Baby Pearls’ participation in the tournament was supported by the Australian Government’s PacificAus Sports program, the sports diplomacy initiative which further strengthens Australia and the Pacific’s close regional ties through a shared love of sport.
Baby Pearls Head Coach, former Firebird and Fiji Pearl Simone Nalatu, expressed the significance of the tournament in testing the squad in an international setting.
“This level of exposure is essential to realise which players will be capable of making the next step internationally,” she shared.
“While wins are important to build up that winning mentality, I am interested in whether our strategy is working and how well we can back up.
“This tournament provided an opportunity to test these components before September.”
The Baby Pearls tested their skills in Townsville ahead of NWYC.STRONG PERFORMANCE IN TOWNSVILLE
The Baby Pearls played strong against Ruby North franchises North Queensland United and Far North Flames; Sharon Finnan-White’s First Nations Academy of Excellence Townsville Premier League team and HART Premier Netball League newcomers Moreton Bay Pulse. In addition to competing, the Pulse also initiated and funded the tournament.
For the Baby Pearls, the courts of Townsville represented more than just a pre-season tournament.
Goal shooter Nina Nakula expressed how playing for Fiji means carrying the torch for younger athletes.
“Competing for the Baby Pearls means a lot,” Nakula said.
“Not only representing my country at a youth level, but to play for my family, community and every young girl in Fiji who dreams of stepping onto the courts one day.
“This competition has assisted us in the run-up to the World Youth Cup by testing our abilities to various playing styles and become accustomed to the intensity, pressure, and speed of international netball.”
The Baby Pearls are increasing their international exposure through engagement with Australian clubs. BEYOND THE TOURNAMENT
Fiji’s 15-strong squad who competed included 12 Fiji-based and three Australia-based players, underscoring Netball Fiji’s commitment to nurturing both local and global talent.
As one of the youngest members of the team, Tokasa Tuisovivi shared the impact of her first international tour with the Baby Pearls.
“I am so thankful to have been given the opportunity as I have gained confidence and learned what I need to improve. Adapting to many different styles of play in such a short time really improved my skills,” Tuisovivi said.
Following the tournament, six local Fijian-based players remained in Australia to undergo a two-week high-performance training program with the Sunshine Coast Thunder, where Nalatu is also Head Coach.
By implementing specialist sessions and game scenario work, Nalatu exposed the Baby Pearls to a variety of new playing styles. The selected Baby Pearls also headed to Helensvale High School to train with Former Diamond Jo Morgan, supporting the connection between internationally renowned teams and local club netball.
Lightning players Ashleigh Ervin and Reiley Batcheldor with Fiji Baby Pearl Frances Vula.A CONTINUED PARTNERSHIP
The Baby Pearls’ involvement in the Townsville tournament is tied to a broader campaign to increase their international exposure. This builds on the success of last year’s Rising Stars: Fiji 21U Tour, also supported by PacificAus Sports, in which the Baby Pearls played against the 21U teams from Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore.
Baby Pearls Assistant Coach and former Pearls captain Vaiti Waqatabu sees lasting value in these international experiences.
“As a former player, I totally support these build up tournaments. They give the young girls the platform to execute what they have learnt during trainings and gain experience,” Waqatabu said.
“The international competition provides a lot of exposure in terms of the high-performance environment, and it will create that drive for girls to continue pursuing the sport.”
Coach Nalatu reinforced the importance of sustained support from PacificAus Sports in helping Netball Fiji reach new heights.
“I can't emphasise how important the support is from PacificAus Sports. The earlier our athletes have this exposure, the better, not just for the playing group but netball in general in Fiji,” Nalatu reflected.
“We know the benefits will extend beyond the 21's program as our players will then take these learnings back to their clubs as well.
“For our small island nation, this experience will extend beyond the World Youth Cup, it will support the development of our players and support into the future.”
PacificAus Sports is an Australian Government sports diplomacy initiative developing pathways for Pacific teams and athletes to compete in elite competitions and access high performance coaching in Australia and internationally.
Want to know more about Netball Australia’s international development work? See more here: https://netball.com.au/international-development
