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SC Lightning star Geva Mentor and Firebirds star Gretel Tippett ahead of their Round 1 blockbuster. Picture: Mark Cranitch
QUEENSLAND Firebirds star Gretel Tippett has backed young centre Kristen Oxenford to handle the pressure of replacing Mahalia Cassidy in Saturday’s Suncorp Super Netball season opener against Sunshine Coast Lightning.
Cassidy has been ruled out of the Firebirds’ bid for a hat-trick of titles after rupturing knee ligaments last Friday.
Training partner Oxenford has been given first shot at filling Cassidy’s shoes by Firebirds coach Roselee Jencke.
It will be a big challenge for Oxenford, who plays for the second-tier Fusion side, but it is one Tippett says the young star will handle with ease.
The talented goal-attack has known Oxenford since the pair were children and is confident she has the maturity to deal with the elite level.
Mahalia Cassidy has been sidelined with a knee injury. Picture: Liam KidstonSource:News Corp Australia
“She’s more than capable and more than ready,” Tippett said.
“She’s been training heavily with the side for the past three months. She’s held her own out there.
“Kristen’s come through the ranks so strongly. Even though she’s new to the team, she comes with that natural leadership that we need.
“The way we support each other out on court, it doesn’t matter if she’s nervous or has some doubts, we’ll be behind her 100 per cent.”
It will be a thrilling stage for Oxenford to debut on, with the rivalry between Firebirds and Lightning already building.
SC Lightning star Geva Mentor and Firebirds star Gretel Tippett ahead of their Round 1 blockbuster. Picture: Mark CranitchSource:News Corp Australia
Tippett is predicting an “incredible battle” at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, while star Lighting defender Geva Mentor is ready for whatever the Firebirds throw her team’s way.
Mentor said the Lightning would not let the absence of Cassidy affect their view of the Firebirds.
“The culture of the Firebirds has always been strong and obviously they know that winning formula,” she said.
“I’m expecting nothing less from them, no matter what their personnel is that they put out on court. They’re going to be really tough.”
Originally published as Oxenford can fill Cassidy void: Tippett
