Netball is becoming popular with men and boys

By Bridget Herrmann

ABC Far North

Topic: Netball

Thursday, 23 July 2026, at 11:01 am

Daniel Statton has played netball since he was a boy.

In short:

More men and boys want to play netball at a high level.

Cairns has one of the few men's netball leagues in Queensland, and it's growing.

In southern states, men's netball is more developed, and men have more chances to train and play.

Daniel Statton moved to Geelong to play more competitive netball.

He is one of many Australian men and boys playing netball.

He was chosen for Australia's national men's netball team.

I'm still hungry for more, he said.

There's more to achieve in netball, and I want to get after it.

Daniel Statton looked forward to more competitive netball after moving to Geelong.

Statton played for Australia at under-18 level and for Queensland.

I'm athletic and agile, so coaches like that, he said.

Born in Cairns, Statton was the only boy playing netball with his sister's team.

After age 12, he had to switch to football and basketball.

Lynton McKay helped start the Cairns men's netball league.

He returned to netball at 16 and found other athletes who enjoyed the game.

Taking a shot

Before moving to Victoria, Statton played in the Cairns men's netball league.

The Cairns competition has grown to four teams in its third season.

Lynton McKay played basketball but switched to netball over a decade ago.

Daniel Statton has played for his state and country in netball.

McKay founded the Cairns men's competition to keep playing netball after moving back.

There wasn't much netball for men in Cairns, just mixed indoor games.

Once men and boys start playing netball, it's hard to stop, he said.

Netball is not easy; it's tactical, he said.

Lots of talent emerging

Growing netball in regional areas is challenging due to fewer players and competition from other sports.

There's still a stigma about netball being a female sport, especially in regional areas.

But I think that stigma is dropping, he said.

Netball is becoming more popular among boys and men in Australia.

I'm a teacher, and I see many boys participating in netball; they really enjoy it.

The Cairns men's competition is still growing, but we have talented players.

Considering we have only four teams, it's great to see our talent, he said.

Netball is a safer option for people's joints, said Damian Nowak.

The social aspect is also a big drawcard, he said.

Netball competes with football and basketball for male players.

We play netball to have fun with friends, said Mr. Nowak.

To attract more players, netball competitions must keep pushing, said McKay.

When we have school carnivals, many schools now enter boys' teams, he said.

This didn't happen five years ago.

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