The young outfit, eyeing off the division three crown, heads into battle against the likes of Armidale, Grafton, Forbes, Kurri Kurri, Tumut, Lake Cargellico, Brunswick-Byron, Goulburn, Tamworth, Mount Druitt, Mudgee, Port Stephens and Singleton, among others, at Gosford, from Saturday until Monday.

The Netball NSW event brings together more than 1000 elite players from across the state for three days of tough competition.

However, Muswellbrook won’t be fazed by the task at hand, according to Ingle.

“There are a few testing games in the draw, but we’ll be competitive,” he said.

“They’ve been training twice a week (three-to-four hours) since February – and they recently placed third in the State League.

“The girls also attended three lead-up carnivals at Tamworth (five wins, one loss), Newcastle (six victories) and Dubbo (six wins, one loss.

“They are playing in the A grade local competition, too; and recorded four triumphs.

“So, their preparation’s been spot-on.”

Ingle said he was happy with the mix within the squad.

“The side is made up of a combination of 16-year-olds (five) and 17-year-olds (four),” he explained.

“All nine of them have worked extremely hard – and they’ll need that behind them.

“They’ll play 20 intense games over three days at Gosford.

“But, I know they are keen to produce their very best form.

“Plus, they’ll be supported by a contingent of parents, grandparents and local officials.

“I’d like to thank our host of sponsors – Muswellbrook Hotel, Royal Hotel, Melanie’s Jewellers, Zack’s Automotive, Scone Funeral Services, Muswellbrook Funeral Services, Finders Keepers, Woolworths, Rob Gordon Massage Therapist, Dimmock’s Meats and Regional Australia Bank – for getting behind the girls.”

The Muswellbrook Netball Association’s under-17 team features Chloe Russell, Ella Drayton, Skylar Dever, Lucy Britten, Sophie Martin, Isobel Bates, Jacinta Ballard, Abbey Ellis and Mikayla Brown.