Back-to-back nights of preseason Suncorp Super Netball will be played at Mackay Basketball Stadium, when the Collingwood Magpies and Queensland Firebirds face-off next month.
The first match will be played on Thursday 10 February at 6pm and be followed up by an epic Friday night battle at the same time.
The Firebirds and Magpies finished two wins shy of finals contention in the 2021 Suncorp Super Netball season, Queensland in fifth place and Collingwood in sixth.
After an extensive trading period at the end of 2021, this pre-season meet will be the first time to see both sides' updated teams and will give Super Netball fans some much needed insight as to what both clubs can be in 2022.
One anticipated match up could be that of former New South Wales Swift Sophie Garbin for Collingwood up against Queensland's newest international recruit Eboni Usoro-Brown.
General Manager Queensland Firebirds and Elite Pathways, Demelza Fellowes, said the opportunity to take two pre-season matches to Mackay was a fantastic opportunity for all.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to be heading to Mackay for these matches against the Magpies,” Fellowes said.
“Our Club proudly represents the entire state of Queensland, and we don’t get to play in front of the regional fans as much as we like, so to have this opportunity, thanks to Mackay Regional Council, is really fantastic.
“It will be our first major hit out for the pre-season, with the entire squad together, so the matches will be really important in setting up our season. It would be wonderful to have the support of the region and hopefully put on a good show in front of a packed house at Mackay Basketball Stadium.”
Magpies' Head Coach Nicole Richardson said she is looking forward to gauging her team's performance and getting some learnings out of the weekend.
"Testing lineups and gauging what works best on court, and also exposing Sophie (Garbin) and Maggie (Lind) to the match-day environment with the team is really important," she said.
"We can head back with plenty to work on for the remaining eight weeks until the seasons starts."
Tickets to both pre-season matches can be booked now.
Purchase Thursday tickets HERE
Purchase Friday tickets HERE
