PacificAus Sports Netball Series best bits

By Elizabeth Winter  

In a thrilling, nail-biting finish against the Scottish Thistles, the Samoa Tifa Moana emerged as the new champions of the PacificAus Sports Netball Series. 

Last week, Nissan Arena in Brisbane played host to an unforgettable tournament as six nations came together to showcase their talent and passion for netball.  

The Australian First Nations Invitational national team, the Black Swans, Fiji Pearls, PNG Pepes, Samoa Tifa Moana, Scottish Thistles, and Tonga Tala brought their best to the court, putting on a spectacle that surpassed expectations. 

But as always, only one team could claim the trophy. 

From inspiring performances by debutants to heart-stopping finishes, this year's series was packed with drama and excitement, leaving plenty to talk about. 

THE FIFTH QUARTER 

The talk of the week – and rightly so – was the extraordinary Grand Final between the Samoa Tifa Moana and the Scottish Thistles.  

After a week of intense competition, with bodies pushed to their absolute limits, both teams dug deep to deliver a netball spectacle that will be remembered for years to come.  

With the match heading into extra time after a thrilling draw with the teams tied at 44, both the Tifa Moana and the Thistles showcased performances that were nothing short of superhuman. 

Each team demonstrated incredible strength in the midcourt, seizing every opportunity to drive the ball down the court.  

Jessica Laga’aia’s exceptional performance throughout the full 75 minutes earned her the Grand Final Most Valuable Player. Her display of strength, skill, and sheer stamina proved to be a crucial factor in the Tifa Moana’s success, securing 24 Goal Assists and three intercepts throughout the match.  

Both the Scottish Thistles and Samoa Tifa Moana showcased their strength as formidable international contenders.  

With Samoa clinching their first win over Scotland in over a decade, this thrilling result sets the stage for even more exciting matchups in upcoming international competitions. 

BLACK SWANS BACK AND BETTER THAN EVER  

After making history with their debut at the 2024 series, the First Nations Black Swans showcased their strength, resilience, and cultural pride, once again bringing together some of the country’s most talented athletes. 

Following a successful First Nations Tournament in September 2024, five new players – Maryke Babia, Jaylah Boney, Jayda Grant, Tierrah Miller, and Nasyah Turner – were selected to join the team.  

These debutants seamlessly integrated with their experienced teammates, absorbing crucial knowledge from them to perform strongly in their first series. 

The Black Swans delivered impressive victories over the PNG Pepes and Tonga Tala, proving they were not only there to compete but to leave their mark. 

For Head Coach Ali Tucker-Munro, the Black Swans’ journey was about more than just the scoreboard.  

While wins were celebrated, Tucker-Munro’s primary goal was to provide First Nations athletes with the tools to thrive in a high-performance environment, with valuable experience to carry into their future seasons. 

“The wins are not what's on the scoreboard,; it's actually the team walking away with a whole bag of tools in their little trick bag to take with them as they navigate the rest of their Premier League season,” Tucker-Munro said. 

The growth of the athletes since the previous series was clear to see.  

The Black Swans stepped onto the court stronger, more confident, and with a deepened sense of unity. Their movements were sharp, precise, and driven by seamless, unspoken communication. 

Both as individuals and as a team, they showcased the remarkable progress and development they’ve made since the team’s inception. 

INTERNATIONAL COACHING DEBUTS 

Several new coaches made their debut for participating countries.   

Natalie Matthews, newly appointed Head Coach of the Samoa Tifa Moana, highlighted the importance of fostering a supportive and connected team culture.   

“I’m incredibly proud of what we’re achieving here as a team. When I sit on the bench, and see the way the girls are bonding, smiling on court, that’s it for me. That’s why I do this,” Mathews said.  

Coaching the Tifa Moana has been a lifelong dream for Mathews, and the support the team received during the series both locally and back in Samoa made it all the more special.  

“The crowd behind us the other night. I pinched myself – it was the best moment of my sporting career,” she shared.   

Meanwhile, Lua Rikis made her international debut as Head Coach of the PNG Pepes.  

Rikis focused on integrating local athletes with international recruits to foster openness and teamwork.  

The Pepes showed strong potential throughout the week, with debutants and seasoned players building a cohesive unit that lays the foundations to grow further in future international competitions.  

CEO of Netball PNG Lynette Maha spoke about the long-term vision for the federation. 

“We’re seeing overall improvement, but there’s still work to be done,” Maha explained.  

“The pathways are becoming clearer for athletes, it’s exciting to see what the next two to three years hold with our long-term plans for netball.” 

YOUNG ATHLETES TAKING THE STAGE 

The series saw not only new coaches but also exciting young talent stepping up, with athletes like 18-year-old Alisi Neisulu from the Fiji Pearls making her mark.  

After three years in the extended squad, Neisulu proved to be a valuable asset to the team.  

“This is a step up from 21s. It’s bigger, and I’m learning to handle the pressure while executing everything I’ve worked on in the lead-up,” Neisulu said.  

She impressed throughout the series, playing a standout role in centre and gaining invaluable experience competing against top players such as Tonga Tala captain Hulita Veve. 

At just 16 years old, PNG Pepes’ Bronte Grose was the youngest player in the tournament but showed maturity beyond her years.  

A strong developing defender, Grose consistently earned intercepts and deflections, disrupting the opposition’s attacks. 

“There were times I felt like giving up before making my debut with the Pepes, but I just kept believing in myself,” Grose said.  

“I feel so supported by my team, and I hope my height and elevation, along with my personality on the court, can support my teammates.” 

CELEBRATION OF CULTURE 

The PacificAus Sports Netball Series proudly celebrates the cultural pride of every nation involved, highlighting the vital role that culture plays in sport.  

The week of competition was a powerful reminder of how athletes’ connection to their heritage can fuel and elevate their performances on the court. 

To open the series, Elder Aunty Deb Sandy offered a heartfelt Welcome to Country, honouring the teams involved.  

The ceremony continued with powerful performances by the Manus Island Dance Group, showcasing three traditional dances from the central Kurti Mountains and Bipi Island regions of Manus Island, Papua New Guinea. 

Once the matches started, the electric atmosphere only continued to soar, with flags of every nation waving in support of their teams, even seeing passionate supporters from Scotland cheer on the Thistles. 

During half-time of a tense and high-stakes Grand Final, the crowd erupted in excitement as Bremer State High School students graced the court with two stunning cultural dances: one inspired by Australian First Nations traditions, and the other a powerful Samoan-inspired performance.  

While the students performed, the energy in the arena continued to grow, a testament to the significance of this year’s series.  

It wasn’t just about the athletes shining on the court – but also the strength, pride, and unity of their cultures, communities, and nations on the world stage.   

The PacificAus Sports Netball Series is proudly supported by the Australian Government through the PacificAus Sports Program. 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.