Newcastle’s best netball players are warming up and getting ready to take to the courts for this weekend’s Greater Bank Series opening round, as teams look to break the dominance of West Leagues following their 2024 three-division clean sweep.
Established in 2020, Newcastle Netball Association’s Tri-Series Competition features eight clubs that each field a team in the Championship, Opens and Under 23s divisions, providing a pathway for junior talent.
As an elite competition in a regional area, the Greater Bank Championship Series provides a platform for local talent seeking to find success at further Netball NSW competitions such as Metro League, Premier League and the Giants and Swifts academies.
Newcastle Netball Association President Cheryl Hernando said while the competition runs alongside the regular winter netball season, there is a point of difference.
“The two competitions run alongside one another, but rule changes and adaptations such as differences in player eligibility and borrowed player regulations are some of the things that differentiate the Tri-Series event from our standard winter competition,” Cheryl said.
“By offering a separate competition alongside the main winter season, the Tri-Series provides clubs with a pathway for athletes in their clubs, offering player development in a structured environment.”
The club-based competition is designed to promote player retention with pathways built throughout the club to the pinnacle of the Championship.
Greater Bank Home Lending Specialist Emma Dumbrill said the customer-owned organisation is proud to support the competition.
“We are thrilled to support the Greater Bank Championship Tri-Series, which is another avenue for players to come together to hone their skills, share in some healthy competition and most importantly enjoy their netball,” Emma said.
“West Leagues have shown their dominance in recent years, but the series is stocked with impressive and talented players who I know will bring their A-game - I’m excited to not only watch but also the challenge as I’ll be playing for Kotara South!”
Cheryl said everyone is invited to cheer on the players this weekend at the National Park courts from 11.55am onwards.
“The sponsorship provided by Greater Bank is invaluable in making this a much sought after elite competition in the Hunter Region. It not only provides a pathway for our players, but also for our Coaches, Umpires and Bench Officials. “
“We hope to see our community come down to the courts to cheer on our teams – it’s going to be a great event!”
The Greater Bank Series commences on 5 April, with West Leagues facing Waratah, Souths taking on Norths, Junction coming up against Kotara South, and Nova battling BNC.
| Championship Team | Opens Team | Under 23's |
| BNC Netball Club Champs | BNC Netball Club Opens | BNC Netball Club 23 |
| Junction Stella | Junction Cosmos | Junction Splice |
| Kotara South Tigers | Kotara South Lynx | Kotara South Jaguars |
| Norths Champs | Norths Opens | Norths 23's |
| Nova Thunder | Nova Storm | Nova Lightning |
| Souths Lions | Souths Roar | Souths Pride |
| Waratah Cats | Waratah Sabres | Waratah Mavericks |
| West Leagues Balance 1 | West Leagues Balance 2 | West Leagues Balance 23’s |