Australian defender Courtney Bruce says Diamonds firmly keep injured defender Sunday Aryang in their thoughts

Australian star Courtney Bruce says injured defender Sunday Aryang is firmly in the thoughts of the Diamonds as they look to secure a series win over Jamaica at RAC Arena on Sunday. Aryang will be forced to watch as Australia look to defend their Commonwealth Games gold medal this year after she heartbreaking ruptured her ACL in the final Test of the Constellation Cup in October. The 25-year-old West Coast Fever premiership hero has been a mainstay of the Diamonds’ set up since she made her debut in 2022, including playing a part in the gold medal winning team in Birmingham that same year. Australia stepped out onto the court for the first time since Aryang’s injury when they smashed the Sunshine Girls 72-41 in the first of the three-match series in Adelaide on Thursday. Bruce said she had her former Super Netball teammate firmly on her mind as she stepped out onto the court to take on Jamaica. “I definitely thought about Sunday going into that game. Every defender wants to play the way that Sunday plays, so I always hope I can go out there and bring a bit of Sunday to the game,” she told The West Australian. “We’re really missing her being in this environment and what she brings. We know she’s been a part of this journey and will continue to be a part of this group for a long time to come post all her rehab. “She’s such a special person, she brings a lot to the environment and the way that she plays is absolutely phenomenal.” The series against Jamaica is the final international fixtures for the Diamonds ahead of the Commonwealth Games which starts in July. Bruce said there was a “huge focus on pressure” during the Tests to ensure they’re ready to claim a fifth gold medal. “The pressure that is in the group, the pressure that we can put on others and the perceived pressure and what that’s going to look like at the Commonwealth Games,” she said. “It’s really our only time together before the Super Netball season and Commonwealth Games so that’s really been our main focus and what we’re trying to get out of this camp. “Also seeing where the depth of the group is, what combinations we can put out there and continuing to build.: