Yasmin Clydsdale, captain of the Newcastle Knights NRLW team, has expressed strong support for establishing a Super Netball franchise in Newcastle. Clydsdale, who is gearing up to represent Australia in a match against Samoa this Sunday in Brisbane, has deep ties to the local netball community.
The 31-year-old, who grew up in Cardiff South and is a former Newcastle and New South Wales junior netball representative, believes that a professional netball team would significantly benefit the region. “It would be massive,” Clydsdale stated regarding the potential franchise. “Newcastle has such an amazing netball community. I went to the [Newcastle championship] grand final this year, and the vibe and the people around the court were amazing.”
Wests Group Plans Bid for Super Netball Franchise
The Wests Group, which owns the Knights, recently announced its intention to bid for a Super Netball franchise as Netball Australia considers options for expansion. Clydsdale has witnessed firsthand the opportunities that have arisen for local players since the Knights entered the NRLW. Previously, many Newcastle athletes had to relocate or travel long distances to pursue professional opportunities.
“Girls who aspire to be professional netball players, if they see that opportunity in Newcastle, it’s going to raise the standard for every local competition,” she explained. “As a Novocastrian, I think it is super special to keep our local talent at home and build from our backyard.”
Clydsdale emphasized the importance of fostering local talent while also welcoming players from other regions. “If you can build something really special and competitive, people will want to come and stay in Newcastle,” she added. “As the Newcastle Knights, that’s something we want to achieve — to be a competitive team and help girls improve.”
Team Changes and Future Prospects
One notable player departure is that of halfback Jesse Southwell, who recently opted to join Brisbane on a two-year deal, turning down a seven-year offer from the Knights. Clydsdale expressed her sadness about Southwell’s decision but also pride in her pursuit of personal goals. “I’m extremely sad; she’s a local and I adore her playing style, but I’m proud of her for chasing what she wants,” Clydsdale remarked.
Despite the loss of Southwell, Clydsdale remains optimistic about the Knights’ prospects for the upcoming season. “We finished third on the table this year, so we’re not a development team. I feel people get that confused,” she said. “We are competitive in the NRLW, and even with the loss of talented players this year, we had many step up. It will be the same next year.”
Among those stepping up is 19-year-old Mercedez Taulelei-Siala, who has been named to play for Samoa after missing their previous match against New Zealand. Clydsdale expressed excitement about the growth of the women’s game and the emergence of strong international competitors like Samoa. “It’s really exciting to see a country like Samoa having a competitive women’s international rugby league team,” she noted. “Five years ago, people wouldn’t have thought this could happen, but now they are truly competitive.”
The Pacific Championships will culminate in a final on November 9 at CommBank Stadium in Sydney. This tournament serves as the final international competition for the Jillaroos before Australia hosts the Women’s Rugby League World Cup in October 2024.
Clydsdale’s advocacy for a Super Netball franchise reflects a broader commitment to enhancing local sports opportunities and fostering talent in Newcastle, a sentiment that resonates with many in the community.
