Young goaler Mia Stower hasn’t been offered a new contract by the Queensland Firebirds for next season, the club has confirmed.
Stower and young NSW goal attack Emily Moore stepped up in the absence of superstar Gretel Bueta who was on maternity leave for the 2023 season.
And while Bueta’s return to the game still remains unclear, the Firebirds have opted to let go of Stower for 2024.
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“Mia has been a wonderful part of the club, and we wish her well for the future,” Firebirds coach Bec Bulley said.
“We thank her for all of her efforts while at the Firebirds.”
It’s no secret Bulley was the one to lure Moore north from Sydney, after the duo worked together at the Giants academy system.
With Moore getting her first chance in a professional environment, the youngster started to grow an impressive partnership with shooter Donnell Wallam.
But as she is the replacement player for Bueta this season, there was no guarantee she’ll get another contract should Bueta decide to return to the court following the birth of her second child.
The situation is similar to that of fellow Firebird Wallam – who entered the Queensland set up as a pregnancy replacement for Romelda Aiken-George for her baby in 2022.
Wallam was so impressive, she was later awarded a full-time contract – leaving Aiken-George to sign as a training partner at the NSW Swifts, and help them to this season’s grand final in Sam Wallace’s injury absence.
But where this all leaves Stower for 2024 is unknown, with clubs unable to sign anyone to their 10-player roster until a CPA is officially signed.
That means all 80 positions across the eight Super Netball teams are still up for grabs.
Stower is the second official departure from the Firebirds for season 2024, following confirmation Gabi Simpson has not been offered a new contract.
The veteran ends her time in purple with 157 games for the club, including both 2015 and 2016 premierships – to sit third on the all-time games played list.
Stower’s time at the Firebirds ends after 24 games.
