Lightning add to 2018 squad

Sunshine Coast Lightning has signed Queensland player Jacqui Russell as a training partner for the 2018 Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) season.

Russell, a former captain of Queensland Fusion, will complete the Lightning training partner squad joining Emma Tickner, Steph O’Brien and Binnian Hunt.

The four training partners joined Lightning on their pre-season trip to New Zealand where the team went up against Noeline Taurua’s former side Southern Steel in two exhibition matches.

Assistant coach Kylee Byrne worked closely with Russell during her time as captain of Fusion.

“Jacqui has always been one of those players who constantly assesses how to beat her opponent and win the one-on-one battle on the court," Byrne said.

"With an extremely high work rate, Jacqui brings so much experience to our Lightning environment and will challenge every athlete that she comes up against in training and in matches."

"She has been underutilised in Australia in the past and honed her skills with some time in the English Super League.

"She will fit the Lightning style on and off the court effortlessly and any opportunity she gets to showcase her relentless defensive style and fluent attacking skill, she will take with both hands.”

Russell said: “Being appointed to the reigning premiers squad is something I’m extremely excited about. I’ve played with the Firebirds previously and having the opportunity to play for another team at the elite level in Queensland, my home state, is fantastic and something I’m looking forward to being a par of.

“The chance to work with Kylee again as well as Noeline for the first time is a unique opportunity."