Laura remains all about the team

Laura Scherian

WITH the netball world at her feet, you could forgive Queensland Firebirds rookie, Laura Scherian for feeling a little selfish.

But despite the Firebirds’ first game of the 2010 ANZ Championship scheduled this Sunday against Sydney and plenty of players vying for the same position as her, the former Western Districts Netball Association player remained all about the team.

“My goal is to be part of a successful team,” Scherian said.

“I’d love to get a debut, but if I don’t, I don’t.

“We’ve got Lauren Nourse, Jacqui Russell and Sarah Wall all competing for the same position, so who knows what is going to happen. Everyone contributes different things, it might well just depend on who we are playing that week or how we train.

“I’ll do my best (if an opportunity comes my way) and hopefully it will all work out.”

Scherian, who has moved back home after three years down at the Australian Institute of Sport, understands it will be difficult to break into the Firebirds side.

The wing attack speedster, who can also flourish at centre, said she is just concentrating on her own game and had so far enjoyed her time at the Firebirds.

“It’s been fantastic,” the 21-year-old said.

“I’m loving it, I love training as well, it’s hard at times working out especially when uni starts, but that’s why you do it – you wouldn’t do it unless you wanted it.”

Scherian didn’t look out of place in the side during the Firebirds’ SOPA Cup campaign, helping the team go undefeated through the pre-season tournament, held earlier this month in Sydney.

New Firebirds coach, Roselee Jencke, described Scherian as a hard worker and someone who refuses to give up.

“Laura has impressed a lot,” she said.

“She’s a hard worker, but just her commitment to be the best she can be is what has impressed me the most.

“Laura sometimes comes to me to do extra ball work, extra conditioning sessions. Sometimes I have to hold her back.

“She always wants you to do more but I try and tell her that she doesn’t need the extra ball work because she’s not going to improve or lose anything by doing another session.

“But that’s the kind of kid she is, the one who wants to do that extra bit to get the advantage over her opposition players.”

Jencke, who demanded Scherian be in this year’s Firebirds team, believed the committed 21-and-under Australian player and World Youth Cup gold medallist had a lot to offer this season.

• The entire Queensland Firebirds ANZ Championship team were in Logan on Sunday for a ‘Fan Day’. To see all action visit our online gallery at www.thesatellite.com.au.