The NSW Swifts and GIANTS Netball have proudly announced their Training Partners for the 2026 season, highlighting both clubs’ dedication to fostering emerging talent and strengthening the pathway for young athletes across NSW.
Courtney Castle – NSW Swifts
Product of Liverpool City Netball Association, midcourter Courtney Castle has secured her first Training Partner contract with the NSW Swifts for the 2026 Suncorp Super Netball season.
The 23-year-old has played a key role in the QBE Swifts Academy since being first inducted back in 2019 which saw her included in both Australian National League & National Netball Championship campaigns for the Swifts pathway team and a standout for the Academy in the new Super Netball Reserves format.
Read more: A Resilient Castle earns first Training Partner Contract - NSW Swifts
Nicola Barge – NSW Swifts
Rising Australian shooter Nicola Barge has recommitted to the NSW Swifts as a Training Partner for the 2026 Suncorp Super Netball season.
An 21U international representative who has come through the QBE Swifts Academy and Netball NSW pathway, Barge is one of the finest attacking talents in the country.
In 2025 the Sutherland Shire native was elevated to Training Partner status for the first time and she played a standout role in the QBE Swifts Academy’s third-place finish in Super Netball Reserves, the competition which underpins Suncorp Super Netball.
Read more: 19U NSW skipper Barge back on deck as Training Partner - NSW Swifts
Freddie Schneideman _ NSW Swifts
On the back of a sterling year in which she made her NSW Swifts debut and became a Youth World Champion, rising Australian defender Freddie Schneideman has signed on as Training Partner for the 2026 Suncorp Super Netball season.
The Randwick native came through the Netball NSW Pathway and the QBE Swifts Academy and was named MVP at the 2024 19U National Netball Championships which NSW won.
In 2024 she earned her first Training Partner contract and debuted for the Swifts in last year’s sold out Round 13 clash against the Sunshine Coast Lightning at Ken Rosewall Arena, before going on to play in the Club’s Finals Series campaign.
Read more: World Youth Champion Schneideman recommits for 2026 - NSW Swifts
Skye Thompson – GIANTS Netball
A versatile athlete capable of playing both wing and goal attack, Thompson joins the GIANTS after playing a key role in New South Wales’ 19U win at Nationals earlier this year.
Hailing from the Sutherland Shire, Thompson’s versatility is aided by her speed and agility, a great court sense, and a strong aerobic capacity.
Read more: Talented Thompson The Newest Training Partner - GIANTS Netball
Monika ‘Otai - GIANTS Netball
An exciting young shooter who has come through both the GIANTS Academy and Netball New South Wales pathways.
Previously a training partner in 2024 before signing as the club’s eleventh player for 2025, ‘Otai will continue her development in the GIANTS environment in 2026 as she looks to take another step towards a full-time Super Netball contract.
Regarded as a star of the future, ‘Otai impressed in GIANTS colours last year both in her Super Netball debut as well as in the Super Netball Reserves competition.
Read more: Re-Signed and Ready: ‘Otai Returns - GIANTS Netball
Audrey Little – GIANTS Netball
A dynamic attacking midcourter, the former underage captain continues to impress with her speed, endurance, and quick hands.
Currently representing the Manly Warringah Sapphires, Little was a standout in the 2025 Netball NSW Premier League Opens Grand Final, leading her side to victory and earning Player of the Match honours for her dominant performance.
A proud pathway product, the 21-year-old's journey reflects not only her potential but her dedication, work ethic and leadership.
Read more: Little Locked in for 2026 - GIANTS Netball
