United have had a mixed start to the season after losing their opening two fixtures, before picking up a victory over the ERNA Hawks and then losing again in the fourth round to league leaders Central Coast.

Despite the 2-3 record to open the season, Gomboso admitted she’s “having so much fun” playing in the state league, especially when she only trialled for teams “without expecting to get in”.

Gomboso’s low expectation of her chances were thrown on its head when three teams offered her a starting role in the league, and she accepted North Shore’s offer due to location and coaching staff.

“After my last season with Hunter United, I felt like I had it in me to take the next step up to the state level,” she said. “I trialled with a few teams but I didn’t really expect to hear much back. To have all three offer me spots was amazing.”

“My parents and Newcastle coach Traci Baber both pushed me, and told me that I could do it, so I took up the offer. It’s a big commitment, but I think it’s really worth it and I’ve been really enjoying it. I’m having so much fun.”

Gomboso, who is United’s starting shooter, believes Newcastle’s top competition has given her the “best fundamentals” to work from, but having a guiding hand from former English Rose defender Sonia Mkoloma – North Shore’s head coach – has pushed her “to the next level”. 

“It’s been so great to have a strong understanding of the basics from everyone I’ve worked with in Newcastle, and then to take that to the next level with all the coaches and players in the state league,” she explained.

“That’s been one of the best parts, of course I like winning, but I’ve been really just been enjoying my netball and learning all these things.

“I’ve been able to go back [to the Open Championship] and do these things people have said I should do for years. Now I have an idea of how to execute on those, it’s great.”

Even as she improves and climbs the ranks of netball leagues, United’s key strike weapon looks upwards.

“I’m still improving, and right now I’m just finding my feet,” she said. “The club wants to get finals, and that would be amazing, but I’ll be happy with anything because I’ve just been having so much fun playing at that level and starting alongside the girls in my team.”

“There’s never been that massive desire to win, I just love playing with my friends and challenging myself. As long as I’ve got that then I have the drive to win.”

Elsewhere, Victoria Aoake’s undefeated start to the season with Greater Western Sydney has come to an end at the hands of the Hawks, as ERNA scored a 47-35 win over the former top spot team.

Fury struggled in the opening quarter as they slipped to a seven-goal deficit, and Eastwood-Ryde stretched their lead to 27-16 at the half time break – a lead GWS couldn’t climb in the second half.

GWS’ defeat sees Central Coast Heart move clear at the top of the state ladder with their 63-39 domination over Manly Warringah. Heart are now the only club in the eight team league with an undefeated 5-0 record to their name.

In the under 20s, Manly Warringah had their revenge, downing Heart’s junior squad 55-48, while Dakota Thomas’ North Shore under 20s snatched a two-goal win over Sutherland Stingrays, 48-46.

TABLE: Central Coast (10), GWS, ERNA (8), Manly Warringah, Sutherland, North Shore (4), UTS (2), Panthers (0).