NSW Swifts champion and vice-captain Helen Housby has been ruled out the Club’s Suncorp Super Netball campaign for an extended period of time due to a back injury.
At this stage the double Premiership winner and multiple Club MVP does not have a specific return to play timeframe, however, it is hoped she’ll take the court again later this season.
Swifts head coach Briony Akle said: “Obviously this is a big blow for Helen and for us as a team given she’s such a leader and on-court enforcer, but that is the nature of professional sport.
“Helen is the most competitive person in our environment and missing even one game is a massive disappointment for her.
“However, like with Sarah Klau, our players’ welfare comes first, and we will take no risks when it comes to getting Helen fully fit.
“Our team will be working round the clock to get Helen back on deck for later in the season.
“It’s our aim to return to the Finals again this year and the onus is on the wider squad to step up in her absence and get us in a position to do so, because we know she can hit the ground running when she’s good to go.
“We also want to ensure Helen has every opportunity to play at another Commonwealth Games later this year so we’ll work collectively with England to ensure she can follow that dream too.”
Housby will be replaced Nicola Barge for the weekend’s clash with the Vixens on Saturday. A QBE Swifts Academy product, Barge made her elite debut last weekend against the Fever.
As reported earlier today, former Silver Fern and Swifts defender Katrina Rore will return to the Club as temporary cover for Sarah Klau
