The under 12s, 13s and 14s sides will make the trip to Illawarra to compete in division three of their respective age groups whilst the under 15s will be competing at Bankstown in division two.

The 15s have a good shot at finishing at the pointy end of the ladder come the end of the carnival.

The side’s form leading into the carnival holds them in good stead.

“They have done well at local carnivals – winning at Wagga and Albury,” Griffith Netball Association representative coordinator Karen Lewis said.

“They have three new players who fit in well but will miss their head coach Carlene Stevenson.

“But, she is able ably replaced by assistant coach Adele Stinson who was a rep player herself and understands the pressure.”

The under 14s will be without Jade Suine due to an ankle injury.

The junior has had a torrid run with injuries and will unfortunately miss her second championships in three years.

The loss came as the whole side was steadily getting better.

“It’s [the under 14s] the same team as last year but they have three new coaches who specialise in specific areas on court,” Lewis said.

“The side has improved in leaps and bounds.”

The under 13s have performed admirably in previous carnivals but will have to overcome several losses from their last campaign.

“Carrying on from last year the side has lost a few players but gained four new players including a strong centre court,” Lewis said.

The youngest of the sides comes together for the first time at a state age championship.

Being the new kids on the block, the under 12s are eager to show the state what they can do.

“It’s [the under 12s] a new team but they have bonded well,” Lewis said.

“The side did well in the local carnivals they participated in and are keen to do well and impress."

All four sides will play close to 20 games of netball each across Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

The heavy workload is sure to test the young players but Lewis expected all the teams to be competitive in their respective divisions.