North Shore United (NSU) has established itself as a leading high-performance franchise within the Netball NSW Premier League, underpinned by a strong foundation of collaboration, community connection and sustained on-court success.
Formed through a partnership between Ku-ring-gai Netball Association and Northern Suburbs Netball Association, NSU represents one of the largest netball communities in the state. This alignment continues to provide a strong platform for both elite performance and grassroots development, reinforcing the connection between local participation and the Premier League pathway.
Over the past decade, NSU has been a consistent benchmark within the competition. Premiership success in 2020 under current Head Coach Bec Bulley, followed by another title in 2022, highlights the strength of the program. The licensee has remained a regular finals contender in recent years, including back-to-back Open’s Grand Final appearances in 2024 and 2025.
NSU’s impact extends beyond team success, with the program playing an important role in the development of athletes progressing to the national stage. A number of former players have advanced to Suncorp Super Netball, while the licensees contribution to the Premier League Team of the Decade further reflects the calibre of talent associated with the program.
This success is supported by a well-established high-performance environment, where strong leadership, coaching expertise and community connection combine to create a sustainable pathway for athletes.
The 2026 coaching structure highlights this depth of experience. Head Coach Bec Bulley is supported by Assistant Coach Eugene Lee in the Open’s program, while Lisa Duncan leads the 23 and under division alongside assistants Amelia Basheer and Maddy Turner. Together, this group brings a balance of elite-level experience and strong ties to the netball community.
Further strengthening the program in 2026 is the appointment of Julie Fitzgerald AM as Director of High Performance. With extensive experience at the highest level of the sport and long-standing connections within the North Shore netball community, her involvement adds significant leadership and strategic direction to the franchise.
NSU continues to invest in its broader pathway, with Mitch McBurnie overseeing the academy program and contributing to athlete development across both women’s and men’s netball. The ongoing involvement of experienced figures such as foundation player Ash Fong, alongside the return of long-serving athlete Sarah Corfield for her 11th season, reflects the strong sense of continuity and culture within the club.
On court, the Open’s squad enters the 2026 season with a strong core group, complemented by a mix of emerging and experienced athletes. The addition of new talent alongside established contributors positions the team as a competitive force once again.
The 23 and under program also continues to provide a valuable platform for developing athletes, with a number of players progressing through state and national age-group pathways. This depth reinforces NSU’s role in supporting the next generation of talent within the Premier League system.
As the competition continues to evolve, North Shore United remains a key contributor to the Netball NSW Premier League, combining high-performance outcomes with a strong commitment to community connection and athlete development.
