Latest news with #RemiKamo
The Advertiser
10-05-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Thunderbirds clip Firebirds' wings in Super showdown
Reigning champions Adelaide have snapped a two-game losing streak, overcoming Queensland in a Super Netball top-four clash in Brisbane. The Thunderbirds moved to outright second on the competition table with a rousing 62-53 win over the Firebirds on Saturday, as all teams chase the unbeaten NSW Swifts. Suffering a third straight loss, the Firebirds remain in fourth with the remainder of the round to be completed. The loss capped a forgettable week for the Queensland side, who were back in the headlines with allegations by ex-player Remi Kamo of a toxic culture at the club resurfacing. Adelaide were missing star defender Shamera Sterling-Humphrey, who announced her pregnancy last week, but goal defence Latanya Wilson stepped up with a stand-out performance. "We knew that we wanted this game and we did it for our skipper (Hannah Petty) as it was her 100th game," said Wilson, who was named player of the match. "I'm so proud of my own performance as I've known that there's been room for improvement but I'm humbled to go out there and try to do the best for the team in each game." The Firebirds got off to a strong start, racing to a 19-17 lead, with goal-shooter Mary Cholhok finding the ring for 11 goals. But Adelaide answered to dominate the second stanza to hold a 33-30 lead by halftime. Little split the teams in the third quarter, although the visitors were able to maintain their three-point buffer thanks to Romelda Aiken-George. The veteran sharpshooter finished the match with a haul of 34 goals from 46 attempts while goal attack Lauren Frew was on range, bagging a valuable 22 from 23. It had an immediate impact with Aiken-George and Lauren Frew scoring back-to-back goals for a 52-49 lead. With the margin blowing out to five goals, Firebirds coach Kiri Wills tried the same tactic but her side were unable to close the gap in the dying minutes. Cholhok finished with 35 goals from 47 attempts to lead their scoring while goal-keeper Isabelle Shearer was the star performer in defence. Reigning champions Adelaide have snapped a two-game losing streak, overcoming Queensland in a Super Netball top-four clash in Brisbane. The Thunderbirds moved to outright second on the competition table with a rousing 62-53 win over the Firebirds on Saturday, as all teams chase the unbeaten NSW Swifts. Suffering a third straight loss, the Firebirds remain in fourth with the remainder of the round to be completed. The loss capped a forgettable week for the Queensland side, who were back in the headlines with allegations by ex-player Remi Kamo of a toxic culture at the club resurfacing. Adelaide were missing star defender Shamera Sterling-Humphrey, who announced her pregnancy last week, but goal defence Latanya Wilson stepped up with a stand-out performance. "We knew that we wanted this game and we did it for our skipper (Hannah Petty) as it was her 100th game," said Wilson, who was named player of the match. "I'm so proud of my own performance as I've known that there's been room for improvement but I'm humbled to go out there and try to do the best for the team in each game." The Firebirds got off to a strong start, racing to a 19-17 lead, with goal-shooter Mary Cholhok finding the ring for 11 goals. But Adelaide answered to dominate the second stanza to hold a 33-30 lead by halftime. Little split the teams in the third quarter, although the visitors were able to maintain their three-point buffer thanks to Romelda Aiken-George. The veteran sharpshooter finished the match with a haul of 34 goals from 46 attempts while goal attack Lauren Frew was on range, bagging a valuable 22 from 23. It had an immediate impact with Aiken-George and Lauren Frew scoring back-to-back goals for a 52-49 lead. With the margin blowing out to five goals, Firebirds coach Kiri Wills tried the same tactic but her side were unable to close the gap in the dying minutes. Cholhok finished with 35 goals from 47 attempts to lead their scoring while goal-keeper Isabelle Shearer was the star performer in defence. Reigning champions Adelaide have snapped a two-game losing streak, overcoming Queensland in a Super Netball top-four clash in Brisbane. The Thunderbirds moved to outright second on the competition table with a rousing 62-53 win over the Firebirds on Saturday, as all teams chase the unbeaten NSW Swifts. Suffering a third straight loss, the Firebirds remain in fourth with the remainder of the round to be completed. The loss capped a forgettable week for the Queensland side, who were back in the headlines with allegations by ex-player Remi Kamo of a toxic culture at the club resurfacing. Adelaide were missing star defender Shamera Sterling-Humphrey, who announced her pregnancy last week, but goal defence Latanya Wilson stepped up with a stand-out performance. "We knew that we wanted this game and we did it for our skipper (Hannah Petty) as it was her 100th game," said Wilson, who was named player of the match. "I'm so proud of my own performance as I've known that there's been room for improvement but I'm humbled to go out there and try to do the best for the team in each game." The Firebirds got off to a strong start, racing to a 19-17 lead, with goal-shooter Mary Cholhok finding the ring for 11 goals. But Adelaide answered to dominate the second stanza to hold a 33-30 lead by halftime. Little split the teams in the third quarter, although the visitors were able to maintain their three-point buffer thanks to Romelda Aiken-George. The veteran sharpshooter finished the match with a haul of 34 goals from 46 attempts while goal attack Lauren Frew was on range, bagging a valuable 22 from 23. It had an immediate impact with Aiken-George and Lauren Frew scoring back-to-back goals for a 52-49 lead. With the margin blowing out to five goals, Firebirds coach Kiri Wills tried the same tactic but her side were unable to close the gap in the dying minutes. Cholhok finished with 35 goals from 47 attempts to lead their scoring while goal-keeper Isabelle Shearer was the star performer in defence.
Perth Now
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
Thunderbirds clip Firebirds' wings in Super showdown
Reigning champions Adelaide have snapped a two-game losing streak, overcoming Queensland in a Super Netball top-four clash in Brisbane. The Thunderbirds moved to outright second on the competition table with a rousing 62-53 win over the Firebirds on Saturday, as all teams chase the unbeaten NSW Swifts. Suffering a third straight loss, the Firebirds remain in fourth with the remainder of the round to be completed. The loss capped a forgettable week for the Queensland side, who were back in the headlines with allegations by ex-player Remi Kamo of a toxic culture at the club resurfacing. Adelaide were missing star defender Shamera Sterling-Humphrey, who announced her pregnancy last week, but goal defence Latanya Wilson stepped up with a stand-out performance. "We knew that we wanted this game and we did it for our skipper (Hannah Petty) as it was her 100th game," said Wilson, who was named player of the match. "I'm so proud of my own performance as I've known that there's been room for improvement but I'm humbled to go out there and try to do the best for the team in each game." The Firebirds got off to a strong start, racing to a 19-17 lead, with goal-shooter Mary Cholhok finding the ring for 11 goals. But Adelaide answered to dominate the second stanza to hold a 33-30 lead by halftime. Little split the teams in the third quarter, although the visitors were able to maintain their three-point buffer thanks to Romelda Aiken-George. The veteran sharpshooter finished the match with a haul of 34 goals from 46 attempts while goal attack Lauren Frew was on range, bagging a valuable 22 from 23. The Firebirds got back to within a goal with just over eight minutes left on the clock with Thunderbirds coach Tania Obst calling a timeout and imploring her team to continue to attack. It had an immediate impact with Aiken-George and Lauren Frew scoring back-to-back goals for a 52-49 lead. With the margin blowing out to five goals, Firebirds coach Kiri Wills tried the same tactic but her side were unable to close the gap in the dying minutes. Cholhok finished with 35 goals from 47 attempts to lead their scoring while goal-keeper Isabelle Shearer was the star performer in defence.
ABC News
07-05-2025
- Sport
- ABC News
Remi Kamo claims Queensland Firebirds investigation was mishandled
Independent investigators probing a formal complaint made about the Queensland Firebirds are being accused of not interviewing key witnesses, while another former player has told ABC Sport of similar distrust with the system. Remi Kamo and the Australian Netball Players' Association (ANPA) released separate statements on Wednesday, voicing concerns about the potential mishandling of the investigation that followed Kamo's complaint about the culture at the Firebirds. In March, the investigation concluded, Photo shows A player hunches over with a hand across their mouth turning away from the camera Netball Australia has concluded its months-long investigation into the Queensland Firebirds, but the players' association is unhappy with the outcome. Since then, Netball Australia has refused to hand over the report, a summary or any details of its findings, citing a promise of confidentiality to those who took part. However, Kamo and ANPA have said key witnesses were not interviewed who they believe could have changed the outcome of the investigation. "It turns out that one can be simultaneously brave and naive," Kamo said. "Naive to think the fairness which the sport of netball teaches its players would extend to the way netball administration treats its players. "I believed all relevant witnesses to my complaint would be interviewed but they were not. Some people who saw and felt what I did were not even contacted, despite being available to help the investigation … People who, to this day, are ready to give evidence. Kamo plays for the Firebirds against the Mavericks. ( Getty Images: Albert Perez ) "I have repeatedly asked for further details of the investigation — a breakdown of the response to each allegation, whether the allegations had merit or not and on what basis. "I have received none of these details. Just platitudes and hollow assurances. "I also did not anticipate the whispering campaign against me. Apparently, I am vexatious, which is odd given this is the first time I have ever made a complaint. "I genuinely believed the bravery of the players would be met by a fair process. For these reasons, I reluctantly express no confidence in Netball Australia's response to my complaint." Netball Australia has been contacted for comment by ABC Sport. The defender was one of two players at the Firebirds not offered another Super Netball contract for this season, alongside Donnell Wallam. Both chose to move across the ditch and are about to start campaigns with the Stars and Mystics in the New Zealand Premiership this weekend. Aussie Diamonds shooter Donnell Wallam was also not re-contracted by the Firebirds. ( AAP: Matt Turner ) Last month, Kamo spoke with New Zealand media outlet Marae about her desire to find a more welcoming environment. "In 2023, the people who had spoken up weren't contracted the following year, so it felt like if you want to stand up for yourself or your teammates, then you're not welcome here. "I already knew that I didn't want to return there before they didn't contract me and I thought, I actually have nothing to lose. "I've spoken to so many people who have been through that environment, that would have liked to do that and didn't because they wanted to get another contract." Loading Instagram content Netball Queensland issued a statement off the back of this, where it reiterated the investigation's unsubstantiated findings and rejected claims Kamo made about club culture. "We acknowledge that communication to athletes not receiving a contract is difficult to receive … The Queensland Firebirds are off to a great start to this Super Netball season. We wish Remi the best for her inaugural season at the Stars," it said. In its own statement, ANPA on Wednesday said it believes the wider Super Netball playing group will be hesitant to report issues in future after watching Kamo be subjected to an unfair process. "ANPA commends Remi for the courage, care for others, and commitment to progress that she has shown by making a formal complaint to Netball Australia," the statement read. "Remi has taken a stand during a difficult period, and in doing so, is helping to drive important change for current and future players. "ANPA has raised concerns with Netball Australia over a number of months regarding aspects of the investigation process. While the investigation was conducted by a third party, this in itself does not guarantee procedural fairness. "We believe that key steps expected in a fair and thorough process may have been missed, including the investigator not confirming with Remi the specific allegations that would form the scope of the investigation, and the omission of interviews with some key witnesses named in Remi's complaint. "While we respect Netball Australia's responsibility to uphold confidentiality for all participants in the investigation, the allegations themselves are known to Remi and we believe it is both possible and appropriate to provide her with a clear summary of the findings without breaching those protections. "ANPA has formally requested an independent review of the investigation to assess whether the process met the required standards of fairness and rigour … Once the current matters are resolved, ANPA looks forward to working constructively with Netball Australia to review and strengthen its complaint-handling policies and processes." Kamo's repeated efforts to speak out But the defender says she aims to try and ensure the sport offers better support to the next generation of players in the Super Netball league. The Firebirds would love to move on from the dramas of last year. ( Getty: Glenn Hunt ) "My message to the netball administrators is this: Be brave enough to have the difficult conversation about how to improve your response to complaints and about how to prevent bullying in the first place. "Review your methods and behaviours just as the players do after every single game we play. Why? Because that's how you improve. "Make your investigations thorough by listening to all the people who wish to be heard and provide real protections for complainants so that it is safe for them to raise their voice. "To my fellow players at the Firebirds and across the sport of netball, for the support you have all given me — thank you. It means a lot. More than you know." Another player comes forward with concerns Kamo Speaking on the condition of anonymity, this player says they still have fears of being ostracised by their peers, years after they've retired. The Super Netball trophy on display on court before the grand final. ( Getty: Scott Barbour ) Watching Kamo's story unfold over the past eight months and the way she's been branded a troublemaker has compelled them to come forward with their story in solidarity. This athlete did play throughout the Super Netball era and said their relationship with their head coach in their final season left them feeling mentally broken. Originally, they approached Netball Australia with allegations of bullying, before their case was passed on to the state member organisation to organise an independent investigation. Unlike Kamo, the final report was shared with this player and ANPA. Even though a long list of mistreatment was detailed, the complaints were also deemed to be unsubstantiated. The failure of administrators to hold the coach accountable despite their behaviour being laid out on paper left the player with little faith in her club. Reflecting on that time, she told ABC Sport there were a lot of similarities between her experience and Kamo's. Although the outcome was less than desirable, the athlete said they felt positive that they were able to influence a change in policy. Now, any player complaint made against a club must be handled and investigated by Netball Australia. They thought about escalating the matter with Sport Integrity Australia, but said they felt so worn out by the whole ordeal that they decided to move on.
RNZ News
21-04-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Netball: Why Stars' Australian imports made the move to the New Zealand league
Australian netballers Charlie Bell (left) and Remi Kamo are playing in New Zealand's ANZ Premiership 2025. Photo: Getty Images The Stars' new Australian recruit says she has no regrets about taking on what she sees as the 'netball establishment' across the Tasman. Defender Remi Kamo became the first Super Netball player to lodge an official complaint with Netball Australia last year, claiming there was a toxic culture at her Queensland Firebirds club and that it failed to support the well-being of athletes. It was a tumultuous season for the Firebirds, who recorded just four wins from 14 games and let go of its coach mid-campaign, amid reports of player unrest. Kamo's complaint prompted Netball Australia to launch an investigation into the Queensland Firebirds. But last month Netball Australia said an independent investigator concluded that there were no breaches of the Netball Australia code of conduct and member protection policy by Netball Queensland and its management. The Australian Netball Players' Association (ANPA) have criticised Netball Australia for not providing a copy of the investigation report or at least a summary. A frustrated Kamo then accused Netball Australia of being "complicit" after they declared the investigation was closed. "It's really disappointing, not surprising unfortunately, which kind of says it all. But ANPA will continue to push for that information to be released," Kamo said. "I'm still really proud of standing up for what I believed in and for young players coming up through that pathway, that was kind of the point to at least make them look at their processes, and be accountable for something. I think it was worth it but it's been a tough six months. "It is quite cut-throat and I also imagine that's why I was the first ever person to make a formal complaint to Netball Australia, because they don't take lightly to it [complaints] and it pretty much means that you won't be able to get another contract there, so I can see why people don't do it. "But it's not really how a professional sporting league should be. There should be enough transparency and safety for people to ask for change or accountability." Remi Kamo had two seasons with the Queensland Firebirds. Photo: Stars Netball. Brisbane-born Kamo is not technically an import player. The 31-year-old has a New Zealand connection through her father, who was born in Christchurch. Kamo (Ngāti Mutunga) had two seasons with the Queensland Firebirds and was a nominee for Rookie of the Year at the 2023 Australian Netball Awards. Despite having a strong season, in July last year the Firebirds decided not to extend her contract, which did not come as a big surprise to her. The Firebirds also controversially let go of Australian Diamonds shooter Donnell Wallam, who was second in the competition for goals in 2023 and 2024. Wallam is signed on with the ANZ Premiership defending champion Northern Mystics for 2025. Up-and-coming shooter Charlie Bell is the Stars other Australian recruit. Bell and Kamo arrived in Auckland in early March and are flatting with Wallam. This year's ANZ Premiership will see more Australian players than ever before, with opportunities in their own domestic league hard to come by. "It's brilliant there are opportunities in the United Kingdom and New Zealand for people to play at that level and hopefully one day they will look at extending the Australian league and add a few more teams." Diamonds shooter Donnell Wallam will play for the Mystics this year. Photo: Bradley Kanaris Former Stars' coach Kiri Wills, who is ironically now coaching the Firebirds, reached out to Kamo in the middle of last year. "I had an informal chat with her and then had it in the back of my mind towards the end of last season. Even if the Firebirds had offered me another contract, I would have said no." Standing at 196cm, Bell will be the equal-tallest player in the ANZ Premiership, along with Tactix shooter Ellie Bird. While her height might make her a stand-out in the New Zealand competition, getting noticed in Australia among the tallest elite shooters in the world, is a battle. Bell was contracted by the Sunshine Coast Lightning as a replacement player in 2023; last year she was a training partner for the same team. With the Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) league placing no limits on the number of import players that can be recruited, it's an incredibly tough competition to break into. It's even harder if you are a goal shooter - just two out of the eight franchises have Australians in the starting goal shoot position. "It's really hard to get a spot when you've got such legends of the game like Jamaicans Romelda Aitken and Jhaniele Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard and they're unshakeable," Bell said. "As a young rookie player you really want to break into a team, if you can do that it's then really hard to get that starting spot but I feel like the competition's in really good hands for the next couple of years to come with heaps of young guns coming forward and I hope I'm one of those people." Charlie Bell provided temporary injury cover for the Tactix last year. Photo: Joe Allison When Bell did get that elusive first contract, tragedy struck when her father passed away two months into the season. "I had wanted to play SSN my whole life and getting a chance to play in 2023 was awesome, I was loving life, I was on top of the world playing well, but when we lost Dad it was a really really hard time for me, my whole world came crashing down. "I completely lost all motivation to train and show up to training. I kept pushing, I wanted to show up but I just found it so difficult when netball was such a massive part of our relationship. I just couldn't and I completely lost my confidence." Bell started finding some of that confidence again last year but being a training partner had its own challenges. "You still have to work so I was studying, I was doing two jobs, I was travelling between the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane every weekend to see family and friends. I was trying to please everyone I guess but it became quite exhausting and my netball just wasn't where it needed to be and where I know it can be." Then she was offered an opportunity with the South Auckland based Stars when new coach Temepara Bailey needed a goal shooter. "Speaking to Temepara on the phone, both Mum and I got this immediate warm feeling and it just felt like the right timing and I thought this is what I need to do and I was definitely looking to broaden my game." The 23-year-old knew who Bailey was from her time as coach of the Gold Coast Titans in Queensland's state league competition, which Bell used to play in. "Her team was the only team that we could never beat and I was like 'wow that lady really knows what she's doing' and then when I found out that she wanted to sign me I was really keen to get signed by her." Last year Bell was called in as injury cover for the Tactix for two weeks and got a little cameo out on court. For Bell, who grew up in Brisbane, it has still been a big move. "Losing Dad, I felt like I wanted to help look after my family and be there for them but Mum told me I needed to spread my wings and thrive, and that's what I feel like I'm doing. I love it over here, I've loved the challenges and I feel like it's already made me stronger as a person and I know Dad's really proud of me and I think I'm on the right path." Bell said flatting with two other Australian players had definitely helped with the transition. "We are always belly laughing every single night, such a nice little taste of home." This season Bell wants to continue to regain her confidence. "I feel like it's three quarters of the way there. We've formed connections really well so far at the Stars. I can also bring my experience of playing the two-point shot." Bell said part of the appeal of moving to the Stars was also getting to play with Silver Fern Maia Wilson, who will play a lot more at goal attack this year. "I love playing with her, I lean on her for a lot for stuff and she's just an amazing support and so smart in the circle so it makes me feel more confident in my own game." Temepara Bailey was an assistant coach at the Stars before a three year coaching stint in Australia. Photo: Michael Bradley Temepara Bailey was an assistant coach at the Stars before a three year stint in Australia, where she was the inaugural coach of the Titans. Most of the Stars' recruitment for 2025 had been done before Bailey got the job but a missing piece was a tall shooter and Bell was an obvious choice. Of her two Australian bookends, the former Silver Fern thinks they will have a great impact on the side. "They've got a bit of height, which helps. I think they are different players and I think players that probably the Stars haven't had in the past maybe three years so hoping they are going to make a good difference," Bailey said. Bell's recruitment also means Maia Wilson can finally get more time at goal attack. "That's where we want to grow her, she has aspirations beyond the ANZ and I think her role in that is in that GA position and we want to keep challenging players, so you'll see her a lot more in that GA position." Kamo said she was enjoying her new team. "We've got massive personalities in our team, which I enjoy and they are very grounded in themselves and that I think brings confidence and it's really nice to be surrounded by that, you know coming from kind of a shitty end of last year, it feels a lot safer," Kamo said. The trained psychologist has kept a core group of clients from her private practice in Australia via online consultations but she's enjoying a bit more spare time this year. "I've always had this kind of insatiable curiosity about Māori culture and I haven't had much exposure to growing up in Australia and I guess that was a big part of me wanting to move here at some point anyway." With her New Zealand citizenship, Kamo is eligible to represent the Silver Ferns. "That would be so cool, I don't want to get ahead of myself, I just want to get a chance to play everyone and see how it goes but obviously it's a dream." 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