Huge twist in Diamonds’ World Cup plans as superstar announces pregnancy

Australian netball star Gretel Bueta has announced she’s pregnant, throwing the Diamonds’ World Cup plans into disarray.

While it’s brilliant personal news for the Queensland Firebirds superstar, Bueta will be ruled out of the upcoming Super Netball season and looming World Cup in late July.

Bueta hasn’t played since Australia’s Commonwealth Games gold medal victory where she was our standout star.

The 29-year-old then withdrew from Australia’s back-to-back international series late last year after announcing she was pregnant.

Sidelined for matches against New Zealand and England, Bueta later revealed the heartbreaking news that she suffered a miscarriage in November.

Unseen at Queensland Firebirds training in recent weeks, the club had told fans Bueta was still on personal leave.

On Saturday, Bueta shared her heartwarming news that son Bobby was to be a big brother.

“We can’t wait for bobby’s little brother to join us this year,” she shared.

A host of netball stars were quick to congratulate their teammate.

“Crying with happpppinesss so happy for your beautiful fam congrats xx,” Paige Hadley posted.

“Oh Grets this is the best new ever!!! So happy for you guys!! Xx” Fox Netball commentator Catherine Cox said.

“Grets! So happy for you all ❤️” commentator Kimberlee Green added.

“Yayyyy congratulations again Buetas” Bueta’s Firebirds teammate Donnell Wallam wrote.

The Queensland Firebirds will announce a pregnancy replacement player for Bueta in the coming days.

“Remembering what has been endured, this is such welcome and exciting news for Gretel, Niko and Bobby,” Firebirds head coach Bec Bulley said.

“We cannot wait to meet the latest addition to our Purple Family and the whole team couldn’t be happier for them.

“While Gretel’s pregnancy means she won’t be playing for the Firebirds in the 2023 Suncorp Super Netball season, she very much remains a part of the squad.”

Bueta will remain with the club for “off-court activities” throughout the upcoming season, subject to medical advice.

Last year, the Firebirds opted to sign Donnell Wallam as the pregnancy replacement for goal shooter Romelda Aiken-George. And Wallam would go on to represent the Diamonds after an incredible debut season.

The loss of Bueta will be a big blow for Australia’s gold medal hopes at the World Cup, but coach Stacey Marinkovich has already been without the star goal attack for recent wins against New Zealand, England and the Quad Series.