Donnell Wallam launches Australian Diamond series in UK Vitality Roses | News about netball

The Australian diamond will meet Britain in a series of three Tests at the end of October; the Diamonds won the recent Commonwealth Games competition and beat England in the semi-finals; England will face Uganda in three Sky Sports Live Tests ahead of their tour to Australia

Donnell Wallam previously made his mark in England with the Leeds Rhinos Netball (Image Credit: Ben Lumley)

Donnell Wallam is set to make his debut for the Australian Diamonds in their upcoming three-trial series against England’s Vitality Roses.

This series marks the second installment of both the British and Australian winter fixtures. He started with Uganda in October and Australia against New Zealand in the Constellation Cup.

Australia head coach Stacey Marinkovich has designated two separate teams for their competitions, with Wallam being one of the individuals to arrive for the series against England.

The Firebirds and former netball player Leeds Rhinos are coaching partners with the Diamonds gold medal-winning Commonwealth Games team.

The 6ft 2in shooter is a former state basketball player and a latecomer to netball in her sports career. She only started playing netball at elite level two years ago before signing for Leeds Rhinos in 2020 and proved early on that she can play under enormous pressure.

Midcourter and Commonwealth Games gold medalist Ash Brazill was unavailable for selection after deciding to rest and spend time with family.

Captain Liz Watson and vice-captain Steph Wood are both part of the Constellation Cup team, but the Diamonds will be led by others when they face England.

Marinkovich said: “The upcoming international series against New Zealand and England offers us a unique opportunity to further consolidate what we have built over the past 18 months and what we have delivered since Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games”.

“Although we are extremely proud of our recent results at the Commonwealth Games and we know that the depth and competitive nature of international netball is fierce.

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“I am looking forward to reconnecting with our team as everyone will be refreshed and re-energized towards our focus towards the 2023 Netball World Cup,” Marinkovich continued.

“We will continue to develop and challenge the depth of the squad, allowing the players to contribute to the construction of our path forward.”

Constellation Cup lineup: Amy Parmenter, Cara Koenen, Courtney Bruce, Gretel Bueta, Jamie-Lee Price, Kate Moloney, Kiera Austin, Liz Watson, Maddy Proud, Ruby Bakewell-Doran, Sarah Klau, Sophie Dwyer, Steph Wood and Sunday Aryang.

England squad: Amy Parmenter, Cara Koenen, Courtney Bruce, Donnell Wallam, Gretel Bueta, Jamie-Lee Price, Joanna Weston, Kate Moloney, Kiera Austin, Maddy Proud, Maddy Turner, Paige Hadley, Sarah Klau and Sophie Garbin.