Netball Super League | Newton getting into the spirit with Cardiff Dragons

Jacqui Newton is immersing herself in her new Welsh home as she embarks on the 2024 Netball Super League season as a Cardiff Dragon.

Equipped with her Wales bucket hat and picking up Welsh words from the street signs, the Australian is already settling in nicely to the capital.

The 27-year-old hopes the Aussie contingent running through the team combined with the Welsh heartbeat of the Dragons will result in a winning combination this season.

“I’m really enjoying Cardiff so far,” she said. “It hasn’t been long, but it feels like I’ve been here a really long time. The people have been awesome!

Today’s a great day because it’s Jacqui Newton’s birthday 🐉

Happy Birthday Jacqui 🥳 pic.twitter.com/2WEuwWrtF8

— LexisNexis Cardiff Dragons (@cardiffdragons_) February 14, 2024

“I was at all three of the Feathers matches against Uganda. One of the girls gave me a Wales bucket hat and I wore it to every game, I loved it.

“Honestly, my favourite part is the national anthem because it’s sung in Welsh. Seeing all the street signs in Cardiff in Welsh too. I’ve personally enjoyed that, because I like picking up the Welsh words as I go.

“You can’t not know you’re in Wales and I love that.”

Newton’s home comforts include living near her former teammate Elle McDonald, who is also new to the Dragons team this year.

“Elle and I were at [Melbourne] Vixens together, as training partners and then elevated into the side together. We were roommates in quarantine, so I know her very well!

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A post shared by Jacqui Newton (@jacquinewton)

“It’s been great having Elle in the side and I’m living near her, so we go on lots of walks together. Cardiff is beautiful.”

Newton is feeling confident about the fresh-look Dragons team, with Diamonds legend Jill McIntosh in charge.

She said: “In terms of the work ethic and the real drive for success, I think Dragons are right up there. I see us really achieving our goals. Having finished at the bottom of the ladder, the only way for us is up.

🙌 Great news 🙌

The BBC’s first live game of the upcoming @NetballSL season will be the 2023 champions, Loughborough Lightning, up against Team Bath on Saturday 24 February.#NSL2024 pic.twitter.com/n8iUB4Wk1e

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) February 14, 2024

“We’re really looking forward to building on what the team almost had last year and hopefully finishing off more of those closer games and having a successful season.

“Jill has been a really good instigator of setting targets for us to hit and if we hit them, we’ll get the win on game day.

“It’s been awesome having Jill. She’s down to earth, very black and white, you know what you’re getting with Jill and I love that about her.

“With Jill and Elle, there is a bit of an Australian feel but I do really appreciate we are a Welsh team. And I’ve fully immersed myself. I’m getting really patriotic!”

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