Georgie McGrath relishing a crack at world’s best as she gets ready to compete for Team NI at Commonwealth Games

McGrath made her international debut in Birmingham four years ago against New Zealand and is looking forward to more court time at the Hydro this time around.

“I definitely would say I'm a lot more experienced this time round,” she explained.

"I felt like a baby at the time, first ever international competition, so I'm definitely going in it with a different view.

“Last time it was just enjoying the moment and taking every opportunity I got and not overthinking anything, whilst this time, I've really worked hard in terms of mentally really wanting to compete and just really wanting to put out good performances and see what happens from there.

“I definitely know a lot more to expect...we've been really lucky to have a good few games between our different matches, different international competitions between last Commonwealth Games and this one, so I personally feel a lot more ready this time round.

“Maybe a bit of a deer in the headlights last time...but I feel physically and definitely mentally a lot stronger this time round.”

Team NI have been drawn against Australia, the topped ranked side in the world, and world number three England.

Their pool also includes Malawi, South Africa and Tonga.

McGrath, who can play goal attack or wing attack, is relishing going head-to-head with the best.

She added: “To have the opportunity to play the best team in the world is something not a lot of people get to say that they've done.

"I remember last time we got to play New Zealand and now we get to play Australia.

“It's a big moment and not a lot of people get to do that, so I think it is taking that within our stride and really taking in that moment and trying to rise to the challenge. It’s going to be tough but let's just see what we can put up against them.

“You’ve got nothing to lose and you go in with absolutely no fear...I feel like that's the type of team we are.

“We just really love a challenge and I think we get a lot of grit from it. I definitely still think we can put out some great individual performances, team performances, unit performances playing against them.

“I don't think people will see Australia against us and say that's a complete walkover. I still think it'll be a very enjoyable game and it's going to be tough, but I think we're all really, really looking forward to the challenge.”

However, McGrath conceded that she has to find a balance between working and playing international netball.

“It’s tough...it's something I've definitely had to learn over the years,” she continued.

"Growing up playing two sports is something you just have to take as you come, there's no master plan that you can just magically have everything together, you've just got to take and see what your body can take, what your mind can take.

“I've definitely had help over the last four years. It’s come a lot with juggling them both as I've gotten to higher levels, it's tough, but I think through a lot of support I've got a good plan in place, trying to balance it all.

“A lot of sacrifices, my dad always said to me, ‘if it was easy, everybody would do it’.

“That’s just what comes with it, all the different training, the extra stuff that people don't see behind the doors, all the extra shooting sessions, all the extra gym sessions, saying no to your friends, your friends are always going on that ‘you're always training’...but it's for moments like this, going to Commonwealth Games for a second time, is when it all pays off, and, yeah, I'm just extremely grateful to be going.”