Laura Langman will return from injury in time for the Queensland Super Netball derby.
SUNSHINE Coast playmaker Laura Langman has declared herself a certain starter for Sunday’s Suncorp Super Netball derby against the Queensland Firebirds at a sold out USC Stadium.
Langman missed last week’s dominant win over West Coast after suffering a dislocated left index finger in the stirring Round 5 victory over Collingwood.
The New Zealand Test veteran says she could have “pushed through’’ and played against the Fever but is happy to have erred on the side of caution ahead of the battle for Sunshine State bragging rights.
“I’m good to go. The stitches have come out and the finger is really good. It’s come good in no time,’’ Langman said.
Langman has had successful surgery on her injured index finger.Source:News Corp Australia
“I feel like it would have been disrespectful to the surgeon who fixed me up in his own time if I rushed back too soon but I probably could have played last week at a pinch.
“I’m just glad that I’m back in time for what’s going to be a real showdown with the Firebirds.
“They are always a big challenge.’’
The teams played out a thrilling 56-all draw in Round 1 and Langman said the Lightning had learned a valuable lesson ahead of the rematch.
“We need to have seven attackers and seven defenders out there. You can never think you’ve done your job. We need to keep adding value,’’ she said.
The Sunshine Coast are second on the ladder with four wins from six outings while the Firebirds are fourth and welcome back their own star, goal shooter Romelda Aiken from a knee injury that forced her out of last week’s gritty win over Adelaide.
The Lightning’s training base at the University of the Sunshine Coast was closed on Thursday due to storms and was opened up on Friday for the captains run.
Originally published as Langman insists she’s fit for purpose
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