The Gold Coast Titans will join the Hart Sapphire series in 2022.

This comes as the National Rugby League Club chose to explore other sports on the Gold Coast.

The netball team will be coached by Temepara Bailey, a former Commonwealth Games and World Cup champion.

Titans CEO, Steve Mitchell, said: “Temepara is one of the true greats of the sport, but aside from being a quality netballer, she is also a fantastic person who demonstrates our club values.”

Netball Queensland High Performance Director, Demelza Fellowes is excited to welcome the new team and encourage women to play sport.

“The Titans’ commitment to netball ensures the next wave of unearthed gems can access a world-class high-performance environment on the Gold Coast, this can only mean good things for netball and women’s sport in Queensland.” Fellowes said.

However, it also showcases how the NRL can influence other sports.

“We’re looking forward to seeing how the influence of the professional NRL club can lead the way and change the game for this next growth phase for the HART Sapphire Series.” Fellowes said.

For the Mitchell, this new deal is a chance to provide more opportunities for young women in Queensland.

“For us as a Club, it’s about providing talented kids on the Gold Coast a pathway to elite competition that allows them to stay locally on the Coast.” Mitchell Said.

“We are thrilled that we can now the offer that pathway to the thousands of young netballers that play the sport on the Coast.” He continued.