Donnell Wallam signs fresh Firebirds deal after pay feud

Donnell Wallam has signed a new one-season deal with Suncorp Super Netball side the Queensland Firebirds.

The announcement comes amid a flurry of player signings after Netball Australia’s ugly pay dispute ended last week.

Wallam, who was raised in Harvey, has played two seasons for the Firebirds where she has been a shining light for the struggling outfit who have not made finals since 2018.

Last season she was the second highest goal scorer with 719 goals, only behind West Coast Fever’s Jhaniele Fowler.

Wallam made the move to the east coast after being a training partner for the Fever for two years and was named the best player in the WA Netball League in both 2019 and 2020.

Despite travelling to South Africa for the World Cup, Wallam didn’t get any time on court as she was only there as a replacement player.

Wallam said she was hoping for more success in 2023.

“I’m really excited to sign again for another year with the Firebirds and it’s really exciting having some new talent come through,” Wallam said.

“I feel like towards the end of the season we were building quite nicely so I’m keen for us to extend on that build and go a few games further.”

The Firebirds’ season begins on April 13 with a match-up against the Adelaide Thunderbirds in Adelaide.

Wallam will have a chance to play in front of her home crowd in round five as her team takes on West Coast Fever at RAC Arena on May 12.

She will be hoping for a better showing than last season after Fever thrashed the Queensland side 97 to 63.