State skipper eyes national success

Busselton netballer Riley Culnane is hoping to lead her team to victory when she takes to the court as captain of the 17-and-under State team at the national netball championships in Adelaide later this month.

The Busselton Freight Services rising sports star award winner for January said she was excited to take on the role.

“It brings huge responsibility and another part I have to play over there,” she said.

“Not only do I have to play well out on the court, but I have to make sure everyone else is up to scratch. It’s a big challenge but I can’t wait.”

On her return from the nationals, the Year 12 student will also play for the SouWest Jets in WA Netball’s State league and locally for the Busselton Magpies. “It’s the second year the South West has entered a side in the State league,” she said.

“Last season we didn’t do all that well but it was a good challenge to play with that level of players”.

Conquering several levels of competition in the past few years, the defender said she still had goals to reach.

“I’m hoping to make the Australian under-17 squad, which is chosen from the national tournament,” she said.

“From there, leading towards a Western Australian Institute of Sport scholarship to hopefully play for Western Sting.”