The Queensland Firebirds have confirmed their roster for the new Australian netball league, locking in the title-winning shooting combination of Romelda Aiken and Gretel Tippett.But the reigning trans-Tasman champions will be counting on young talent to step up if they are to claim a third straight title after losing captain Laura Geitz (pregnancy), key defender Clare McMeniman (retirement) and centre Kim Ravaillion (Collingwood).Laura Clemesha, who has been an understudy to Geitz and McMeniman for the last four seasons, will form a new-look back court with promising goal keeper Kate Shimmin, lured across from the Adelaide Thunderbirds.Rookie Mahalia Cassidy, 20, has been earmarked as Ravaillions replacement in midcourt.The rest of Queenslands super seven starting side - which won the last two trans-Tasman grand finals - remains intact, with the retention of Jamaican Aiken on a two-year deal the biggest coup.Aiken was in huge demand from rival sides but the 27-year-old said she never intended to play for anyone else.It wasnt a hard decision. Ive been here since 2008 and this has been home for me, said Aiken, the Firebirds player of the year who finished as the trans-Tasman competitions all-time leading scorer.I know where my heart is. The culture here is a credit to Rose (Jencke) and Jenny (Brazel).Its going to be an exciting year and I cant wait to start playing netball again.Coach Roselee Jencke said with co-captains Geitz and McMeninman gone, she will be looking for more leadership from Aiken, now the franchises longest-serving player.Shes the superstar bookend. Were thrilled to have her back and shes a champion of the game, Jencke said.Jencke insisted the Firebirds would lose nothing by swapping Ravaillion for Cassidy, tipped to be a future Diamonds starter.Mahalia is more than ready for the next step and in fact, she was ready this year, she said.She took it to Rav every training session, outshone her at times and really put that pressure on her to perform.Queensland Firebirds: Laura Clemesha, Kate Shimmin, Kimberley Jenner, Gabi Simpson, Mahalia Cassidy, Caitlyn Nevins, Jemma Mi Mi, Gretel Tippett, Romelda Aiken, Abi Latu-Meafou. Michael Jackson Jersey . -- Jonathan Drouin gave Halifax the boost it needed to edge host Sherbrooke Phoenix 3-2 in a shootout in Quebec Major Junior Hockey League action. Corey Harris Jersey . "Thank you for the warm welcome," Beckham said on an 80-degree February morning. In this case, it was soccer weather. The sport moved a step closer to returning to South Florida on Wednesday, when Beckham confirmed he has exercised his option to purchase a Major League Soccer expansion franchise in Miami. http://www.customravensjersey.com/custom-nick-boyle-jersey-large-2253d.html . The incident occurred at 19:56 of the second period of the Kings 4-2 road win over Edmonton on Sunday. Nolan punched Oilers forward Jesse Joensuu in the jaw in front of the Kings goal during a scrum. Johnny Unitas Jersey . The players spoke Jan. 13 during a Major League Baseball Players Association conference call after Rodriguez sued the union and Major League Baseball to overturn an arbitrators decision suspending him for the 2014 season and post-season. Steve Smith Sr. Jersey . Irving scored 23 points, Tristan Thompson had 20 points and 10 rebounds and the Cavaliers beat the Denver Nuggets 117-109 on Friday night. GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The Arizona Coyotes locked up two of their best young defenseman on Thursday, signing Connor Murphy to a six-year contract and Michael Stone to a one-year dealMurphys deal is for $23.1 million with a salary cap hit of $3.85 million. Stones deal, which allows him and the team to avoid a salary arbitration hearing next week, is worth $4 million.Were happy to get these two guys signed, Coyotes general manager John Chayka said. Both right shots, which are obviously difficult to find. Both had good years, career years last year and really bought into what the coaching staff was trying to preach with more involvement from the back end in our offense and moving pucks more efficiently.Murphy elevated his game last season, often pairing with All-Star Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and led Team USA with three goals during this years world championships.The 23-year-old had six goals and 11 assists in 78 games with the Coyotes in 2015-16, his second ffull NHL season.dddddddddddd He has 11 goals and 21 assists in 181 career games after being drafted with the 20th overall pick of the 2011 NHL draft.I cant say enough about how fortunate I am to have a management and ownership and team that believes in me and puts trust in where they think Im going to be, Murphy said.The 26-year-old Stone had six goals and set a career high with 36 points last season. He also led the team with 143 blocked shots despite suffering season-ending ACL and MCL injuries in late March.Stone has 23 goals and 64 assists in 279 career NHL games, all with the Coyotes.I would love to be here long term. Thats a goal (but) things are a little uncertain with my injury, Stone said. The one-year deal is going to give me a chance to prove myself and hopefully, we can look at something longer down the road. ' ' '