Diamonds goaler Gretel Bueta will miss Australia's end-of-year Tests and has left the Queensland Firebirds scrambling for a Super Netball recruit after announcing her pregnancy.
Bueta, who has a 21-month-old son, announced on Tuesday she is expecting a second child early next year.
She will miss games against New Zealand and England beginning next week, and will return "when the time is right for her and her young family", according to coach Stacey Marinkovich.
"(Husband) Niko and I are so excited for Bobby to be a big brother and welcome another baby to our family," the 29-year-old Bueta said.
"I am so very grateful to our extended Diamonds and Firebirds family, the love and support from my teammates and support staff has been overwhelming."
The announcement has left the Firebirds on the hunt for a replacement days after long-time goaler Romelda Aiken-George signed with rivals NSW Swifts.
Aiken-George, who has also recently had a child and missed the 2022 season, refused the Firebirds' initial training contract that was offered before Bueta announced her pregnancy.
Instead the Jamaica international took up the Swifts' training contract offer, where she is all-but-guaranteed court time as Sam Wallace recovers from a long-term knee injury.
"The process to replace a world-class talent like Gretel won't be easy but we'll be making sure to search near and far to secure the best available player for our 2023 Firebirds squad," new coach Bec Bulley said.
"We're just thrilled for Gretel and wish her and her family all the best over the coming months."
The 2022 Commonwealth Games champions will play four Tests against New Zealand in the Constellation Cup, starting in Auckland next Wednesday.
They will then play a three-Test series against England in NSW.
"It is particularly challenging to navigate professional sport and parenthood, and our number one priority is to provide a supportive environment for our athletes and staff," Marinkovich said.
"We will continue to support Gretel throughout her pregnancy and look forward to welcoming her back when the time is right for her and her young family. Family always comes first."
