Hot-shot reserve helps Jo's Giants finish off Firebirds
Supersub Matisse Letherbarrow came in cold and caught fire, lifting the Giants to a 68-63 win over the Queensland Firebirds and helping Jo Harten celebrate her 200th Super Netball game in style.
After watching their 12-goal lead evaporate into a three-point deficit at Brisbane's Nissan Arena on Sunday, the Giants turned to Letherbarrow - and she delivered.
Checking in partway through the final quarter, the sharp-shooting reserve nailed eight of 10 shots, including four of five super shots, and single-handedly outscored Queensland 10-2 in the last five minutes.
Letherbarrow's late-game blitz delivered the knockout blow after Amy Sligar had laid the early foundations.
"We wanted to come out and put in a solid four quarters," Sligar said.
"It was really challenging, but it was good to get the win and celebrate Jo's 200th.
"It's an incredible achievement and goes to show what kind of player she is."
The Firebirds, who slumped to a 10th straight loss, were already on the back foot after losing co-captain Hulita Veve and attacker Tippah Dwan to knee injuries during the week.
The Giants started fast, with Jamie-Lee Price on top in the middle and Sligar strong at wing defence.
The Firebirds coughed up seven turnovers as the Giants jumped to a 21-14 quarter-time lead.
Harten and Sophie Dwyer were in sync in attack as the margin stretched to 32-20, before Queensland clawed their way back.
Lara Dunkley started getting on top of Sligar, as did Macy Gardner against Price in the middle.
The Firebirds finished the half on a barnstorming 14-5 spree, capped by Abigail Latu-Meafou's three unanswered goals - including a super shot - inside the last minute to slash the margin to 37-34.
Turnovers crept in again for Queensland in the third quarter as the Giants stretched their cushion to 51-44.
But another Firebirds surge - a 6-0 run over the last 90 seconds, capped by a stunning Emily Moore super-shot right on three-quarter time - trimmed the gap to 51-50.
Queensland coach Kiri Wills delivered an impassioned address at the final break.
"We've got 15 minutes (left) where we need to work, work, work," she said.
"Give this crowd something to bloody cheer for."
The Firebirds heeded Wills' message and pinched the lead, before their shooters went cold down the stretch, while the Giants rode Letherbarrow's hot hand at the other end.
Supersub Matisse Letherbarrow came in cold and caught fire, lifting the Giants to a 68-63 win over the Queensland Firebirds and helping Jo Harten celebrate her 200th Super Netball game in style.
After watching their 12-goal lead evaporate into a three-point deficit at Brisbane's Nissan Arena on Sunday, the Giants turned to Letherbarrow - and she delivered.
Checking in partway through the final quarter, the sharp-shooting reserve nailed eight of 10 shots, including four of five super shots, and single-handedly outscored Queensland 10-2 in the last five minutes.
Letherbarrow's late-game blitz delivered the knockout blow after Amy Sligar had laid the early foundations.
"We wanted to come out and put in a solid four quarters," Sligar said.
"It was really challenging, but it was good to get the win and celebrate Jo's 200th.
"It's an incredible achievement and goes to show what kind of player she is."
The Firebirds, who slumped to a 10th straight loss, were already on the back foot after losing co-captain Hulita Veve and attacker Tippah Dwan to knee injuries during the week.
The Giants started fast, with Jamie-Lee Price on top in the middle and Sligar strong at wing defence.
The Firebirds coughed up seven turnovers as the Giants jumped to a 21-14 quarter-time lead.
Harten and Sophie Dwyer were in sync in attack as the margin stretched to 32-20, before Queensland clawed their way back.
Lara Dunkley started getting on top of Sligar, as did Macy Gardner against Price in the middle.
The Firebirds finished the half on a barnstorming 14-5 spree, capped by Abigail Latu-Meafou's three unanswered goals - including a super shot - inside the last minute to slash the margin to 37-34.
Turnovers crept in again for Queensland in the third quarter as the Giants stretched their cushion to 51-44.
But another Firebirds surge - a 6-0 run over the last 90 seconds, capped by a stunning Emily Moore super-shot right on three-quarter time - trimmed the gap to 51-50.
Queensland coach Kiri Wills delivered an impassioned address at the final break.
"We've got 15 minutes (left) where we need to work, work, work," she said.
"Give this crowd something to bloody cheer for."
The Firebirds heeded Wills' message and pinched the lead, before their shooters went cold down the stretch, while the Giants rode Letherbarrow's hot hand at the other end.
Supersub Matisse Letherbarrow came in cold and caught fire, lifting the Giants to a 68-63 win over the Queensland Firebirds and helping Jo Harten celebrate her 200th Super Netball game in style.
After watching their 12-goal lead evaporate into a three-point deficit at Brisbane's Nissan Arena on Sunday, the Giants turned to Letherbarrow - and she delivered.
Checking in partway through the final quarter, the sharp-shooting reserve nailed eight of 10 shots, including four of five super shots, and single-handedly outscored Queensland 10-2 in the last five minutes.
Letherbarrow's late-game blitz delivered the knockout blow after Amy Sligar had laid the early foundations.
"We wanted to come out and put in a solid four quarters," Sligar said.
"It was really challenging, but it was good to get the win and celebrate Jo's 200th.
"It's an incredible achievement and goes to show what kind of player she is."
The Firebirds, who slumped to a 10th straight loss, were already on the back foot after losing co-captain Hulita Veve and attacker Tippah Dwan to knee injuries during the week.
The Giants started fast, with Jamie-Lee Price on top in the middle and Sligar strong at wing defence.
The Firebirds coughed up seven turnovers as the Giants jumped to a 21-14 quarter-time lead.
Harten and Sophie Dwyer were in sync in attack as the margin stretched to 32-20, before Queensland clawed their way back.
Lara Dunkley started getting on top of Sligar, as did Macy Gardner against Price in the middle.
The Firebirds finished the half on a barnstorming 14-5 spree, capped by Abigail Latu-Meafou's three unanswered goals - including a super shot - inside the last minute to slash the margin to 37-34.
Turnovers crept in again for Queensland in the third quarter as the Giants stretched their cushion to 51-44.
But another Firebirds surge - a 6-0 run over the last 90 seconds, capped by a stunning Emily Moore super-shot right on three-quarter time - trimmed the gap to 51-50.
Queensland coach Kiri Wills delivered an impassioned address at the final break.
"We've got 15 minutes (left) where we need to work, work, work," she said.
"Give this crowd something to bloody cheer for."
The Firebirds heeded Wills' message and pinched the lead, before their shooters went cold down the stretch, while the Giants rode Letherbarrow's hot hand at the other end.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Courier-Mail
8 hours ago
- Courier-Mail
State of Origin 2025: Josh Papalii comes out of retirement for Queensland Maroons, Game 3 teams
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News. Queensland are reportedly set to make a stunning selection call for the State of Origin decider, with veteran prop Josh Papalii set to be a shock inclusion for Game 3. According to Code Sports, Papalii is expected to come out of Origin retirement and be named on Maroons coach Billy Slater's team sheet on Monday morning. FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every game of every round in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. The 33-year-old played 23 games for Queensland from 2013 to 2022 and was seen as Queensland's most intimidating enforcers. Papalii, who has also played 11 Tests for Australia and 10 Tests for Samoa, announced his retirement from representative football in 2023 when he knew he was going to be overlooked for Origin selection. The beloved prop is enjoying a fairytale season, having recently scored in his 300th NRL game for Canberra as the Raiders chase their first premiership in 31 years. Josh Papalii is back for the Maroons. Photo: Adam Head. Josh Papalii has been in stellar form for the Raiders. (Photo by) His strong form at club level has put him back on Slater's radar and Papalii is tipped to start for Queensland in Game 3 in Sydney on July 9. Papalii is being backed to start the game with a 25-minute burst at prop alongside Tino Fa'asuamaleaui. Code Sports reports Titans prop Mo Fotuaika is set to be dropped to make way for Papalii's unlikely return to Queensland's starting side. The shock selection call will add grunt and fear factor to the Maroons, who are aiming to clinch an unlikely series win and claim a third Origin shield in four years. An injury to Kalyn Ponga has also opened the door for Reece Walsh to return for Queensland, while Hamiso Tabui-Fidow has pressed his case for the No. 1 jersey with a four-try outing for the Dolphins. The surprise selection news is in stark contrast to NSW, who have named an unchanged 17 for Game 3. NSW's forward pack came under scrutiny in Perth, with Max King's position at starting prop under question following the injury to Mitch Barnett that left a hole in the team. Stefano Utoikamanu's spot in the team was also seen as under threat, but Daley has stuck to his guns, ignoring calls to bring Rabbitohs gun Keaon Koloamatangi or Tigers recruit Terrell May in to do a job at prop. Fox League commentator Andrew Voss said on SEN after Game 2: 'Stefano Utoikamanu is gone. I'm rubbing him out for Game 3. Max King is not a starting Origin front rower. So there's a starting front rower spot up for grabs for NSW. 'I don't think you can go with the same starting 13 again. You can't go with Max King if you're only giving him that many minutes.' Daley has reportedly added Sharks second rower Teig Wilton and Parramatta forward Jack Williams to the extended squad for the 10-day camp before the decider at Sydney's Accor Stadium. Gold Coast's Brian Kelly has also been added to the squad. NSW coach Laurie Daley is sticking to his guns. (Photo by) That trio aren't expected to be included in the final 20-man squad but will come into camp as experience and to run opposition at NSW training. On top of those two additions, Dolphins halfback Isaiya Katoa has been brought into NSW's squad as insurance for Nathan Cleary, who is managing a thigh/groin injury. Katoa, 21, has been in blistering form for the Dolphins and has been given the nod over Broncos veteran Adam Reynolds as the back-up halfback. Brian To'o, Jarome Luai and Payne Haas have all been cleared to play. PREDICTED QUEENSLAND TEAM — to be named Monday 9am AEST 1. Reece Walsh 2. Xavier Coates 3. Robert Toia 4. Valentine Holmes 5. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 6. Cameron Munster (c) 7. Tom Dearden 8. Moeaki Fotuaika/Josh Papalii/Lindsay Collins 9. Harry Grant 10. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui 11. Reuben Cotter 12. Kurt Capewell 13. Trent Loiero 14. Kurt Mann 15. Lindsay Collins/Moeaki Fotuaika 16. Jeremiah Nanai 17. Patrick Carrigan Originally published as NRL star to comes out of Origin retirement for Qld Maroons in Game 3
News.com.au
9 hours ago
- News.com.au
NRL star to comes out of Origin retirement for Qld Maroons in Game 3
Queensland are reportedly set to make a stunning selection call for the State of Origin decider, with veteran prop Josh Papalii set to be a shock inclusion for Game 3. According to Code Sports, Papalii is expected to come out of Origin retirement and be named on Maroons coach Billy Slater's team sheet on Monday morning. FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every game of every round in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. The 33-year-old played 23 games for Queensland from 2013 to 2022 and was seen as Queensland's most intimidating enforcers. Papalii, who has also played 11 Tests for Australia and 10 Tests for Samoa, announced his retirement from representative football in 2023 when he knew he was going to be overlooked for Origin selection. The beloved prop is enjoying a fairytale season, having recently scored in his 300th NRL game for Canberra as the Raiders chase their first premiership in 31 years. His strong form at club level has put him back on Slater's radar and Papalii is tipped to start for Queensland in Game 3 in Sydney on July 9. Papalii is being backed to start the game with a 25-minute burst at prop alongside Tino Fa'asuamaleaui. Code Sports reports Titans prop Mo Fotuaika is set to be dropped to make way for Papalii's unlikely return to Queensland's starting side. The shock selection call will add grunt and fear factor to the Maroons, who are aiming to clinch an unlikely series win and claim a third Origin shield in four years. An injury to Kalyn Ponga has also opened the door for Reece Walsh to return for Queensland, while Hamiso Tabui-Fidow has pressed his case for the No. 1 jersey with a four-try outing for the Dolphins. The surprise selection news is in stark contrast to NSW, who have named an unchanged 17 for Game 3. NSW's forward pack came under scrutiny in Perth, with Max King's position at starting prop under question following the injury to Mitch Barnett that left a hole in the team. Stefano Utoikamanu's spot in the team was also seen as under threat, but Daley has stuck to his guns, ignoring calls to bring Rabbitohs gun Keaon Koloamatangi or Tigers recruit Terrell May in to do a job at prop. Fox League commentator Andrew Voss said on SEN after Game 2: 'Stefano Utoikamanu is gone. I'm rubbing him out for Game 3. Max King is not a starting Origin front rower. So there's a starting front rower spot up for grabs for NSW. 'I don't think you can go with the same starting 13 again. You can't go with Max King if you're only giving him that many minutes.' Daley has reportedly added Sharks second rower Teig Wilton and Parramatta forward Jack Williams to the extended squad for the 10-day camp before the decider at Sydney's Accor Stadium. Gold Coast's Brian Kelly has also been added to the squad. That trio aren't expected to be included in the final 20-man squad but will come into camp as experience and to run opposition at NSW training. On top of those two additions, Dolphins halfback Isaiya Katoa has been brought into NSW's squad as insurance for Nathan Cleary, who is managing a thigh/groin injury. Katoa, 21, has been in blistering form for the Dolphins and has been given the nod over Broncos veteran Adam Reynolds as the back-up halfback. Brian To'o, Jarome Luai and Payne Haas have all been cleared to play. PREDICTED QUEENSLAND TEAM — to be named Monday 9am AEST 1. Reece Walsh 2. Xavier Coates 3. Robert Toia 4. Valentine Holmes 5. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 6. Cameron Munster (c) 7. Tom Dearden 8. Moeaki Fotuaika/Josh Papalii/Lindsay Collins 9. Harry Grant 10. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui 11. Reuben Cotter 12. Kurt Capewell 13. Trent Loiero 14. Kurt Mann 15. Lindsay Collins/Moeaki Fotuaika 16. Jeremiah Nanai 17. Patrick Carrigan
The Advertiser
11 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Hot-shot reserve helps Jo's Giants finish off Firebirds
Supersub Matisse Letherbarrow came in cold and caught fire, lifting the Giants to a 68-63 win over the Queensland Firebirds and helping Jo Harten celebrate her 200th Super Netball game in style. After watching their 12-goal lead evaporate into a three-point deficit at Brisbane's Nissan Arena on Sunday, the Giants turned to Letherbarrow - and she delivered. Checking in partway through the final quarter, the sharp-shooting reserve nailed eight of 10 shots, including four of five super shots, and single-handedly outscored Queensland 10-2 in the last five minutes. Letherbarrow's late-game blitz delivered the knockout blow after Amy Sligar had laid the early foundations. "We wanted to come out and put in a solid four quarters," Sligar said. "It was really challenging, but it was good to get the win and celebrate Jo's 200th. "It's an incredible achievement and goes to show what kind of player she is." The Firebirds, who slumped to a 10th straight loss, were already on the back foot after losing co-captain Hulita Veve and attacker Tippah Dwan to knee injuries during the week. The Giants started fast, with Jamie-Lee Price on top in the middle and Sligar strong at wing defence. The Firebirds coughed up seven turnovers as the Giants jumped to a 21-14 quarter-time lead. Harten and Sophie Dwyer were in sync in attack as the margin stretched to 32-20, before Queensland clawed their way back. Lara Dunkley started getting on top of Sligar, as did Macy Gardner against Price in the middle. The Firebirds finished the half on a barnstorming 14-5 spree, capped by Abigail Latu-Meafou's three unanswered goals - including a super shot - inside the last minute to slash the margin to 37-34. Turnovers crept in again for Queensland in the third quarter as the Giants stretched their cushion to 51-44. But another Firebirds surge - a 6-0 run over the last 90 seconds, capped by a stunning Emily Moore super-shot right on three-quarter time - trimmed the gap to 51-50. Queensland coach Kiri Wills delivered an impassioned address at the final break. "We've got 15 minutes (left) where we need to work, work, work," she said. "Give this crowd something to bloody cheer for." The Firebirds heeded Wills' message and pinched the lead, before their shooters went cold down the stretch, while the Giants rode Letherbarrow's hot hand at the other end. Supersub Matisse Letherbarrow came in cold and caught fire, lifting the Giants to a 68-63 win over the Queensland Firebirds and helping Jo Harten celebrate her 200th Super Netball game in style. After watching their 12-goal lead evaporate into a three-point deficit at Brisbane's Nissan Arena on Sunday, the Giants turned to Letherbarrow - and she delivered. Checking in partway through the final quarter, the sharp-shooting reserve nailed eight of 10 shots, including four of five super shots, and single-handedly outscored Queensland 10-2 in the last five minutes. Letherbarrow's late-game blitz delivered the knockout blow after Amy Sligar had laid the early foundations. "We wanted to come out and put in a solid four quarters," Sligar said. "It was really challenging, but it was good to get the win and celebrate Jo's 200th. "It's an incredible achievement and goes to show what kind of player she is." The Firebirds, who slumped to a 10th straight loss, were already on the back foot after losing co-captain Hulita Veve and attacker Tippah Dwan to knee injuries during the week. The Giants started fast, with Jamie-Lee Price on top in the middle and Sligar strong at wing defence. The Firebirds coughed up seven turnovers as the Giants jumped to a 21-14 quarter-time lead. Harten and Sophie Dwyer were in sync in attack as the margin stretched to 32-20, before Queensland clawed their way back. Lara Dunkley started getting on top of Sligar, as did Macy Gardner against Price in the middle. The Firebirds finished the half on a barnstorming 14-5 spree, capped by Abigail Latu-Meafou's three unanswered goals - including a super shot - inside the last minute to slash the margin to 37-34. Turnovers crept in again for Queensland in the third quarter as the Giants stretched their cushion to 51-44. But another Firebirds surge - a 6-0 run over the last 90 seconds, capped by a stunning Emily Moore super-shot right on three-quarter time - trimmed the gap to 51-50. Queensland coach Kiri Wills delivered an impassioned address at the final break. "We've got 15 minutes (left) where we need to work, work, work," she said. "Give this crowd something to bloody cheer for." The Firebirds heeded Wills' message and pinched the lead, before their shooters went cold down the stretch, while the Giants rode Letherbarrow's hot hand at the other end. Supersub Matisse Letherbarrow came in cold and caught fire, lifting the Giants to a 68-63 win over the Queensland Firebirds and helping Jo Harten celebrate her 200th Super Netball game in style. After watching their 12-goal lead evaporate into a three-point deficit at Brisbane's Nissan Arena on Sunday, the Giants turned to Letherbarrow - and she delivered. Checking in partway through the final quarter, the sharp-shooting reserve nailed eight of 10 shots, including four of five super shots, and single-handedly outscored Queensland 10-2 in the last five minutes. Letherbarrow's late-game blitz delivered the knockout blow after Amy Sligar had laid the early foundations. "We wanted to come out and put in a solid four quarters," Sligar said. "It was really challenging, but it was good to get the win and celebrate Jo's 200th. "It's an incredible achievement and goes to show what kind of player she is." The Firebirds, who slumped to a 10th straight loss, were already on the back foot after losing co-captain Hulita Veve and attacker Tippah Dwan to knee injuries during the week. The Giants started fast, with Jamie-Lee Price on top in the middle and Sligar strong at wing defence. The Firebirds coughed up seven turnovers as the Giants jumped to a 21-14 quarter-time lead. Harten and Sophie Dwyer were in sync in attack as the margin stretched to 32-20, before Queensland clawed their way back. Lara Dunkley started getting on top of Sligar, as did Macy Gardner against Price in the middle. The Firebirds finished the half on a barnstorming 14-5 spree, capped by Abigail Latu-Meafou's three unanswered goals - including a super shot - inside the last minute to slash the margin to 37-34. Turnovers crept in again for Queensland in the third quarter as the Giants stretched their cushion to 51-44. But another Firebirds surge - a 6-0 run over the last 90 seconds, capped by a stunning Emily Moore super-shot right on three-quarter time - trimmed the gap to 51-50. Queensland coach Kiri Wills delivered an impassioned address at the final break. "We've got 15 minutes (left) where we need to work, work, work," she said. "Give this crowd something to bloody cheer for." The Firebirds heeded Wills' message and pinched the lead, before their shooters went cold down the stretch, while the Giants rode Letherbarrow's hot hand at the other end.
