The young centre has been training and playing for ANZ Championship giants Melbourne Vixens during the past month, including a warm-up clash to prepare the Australian Diamonds for their recent England away series.

One of a handful of players invited to join the Vixens squad, Rainbow could now ‘‘potentially’’ be called on to cover injured stars this season as an emergency replacement.

She is also set to join Victorian Fury this year in the Australian Netball League – the feeder competition to the Trans-Tasman ANZ Championship – as they trim their training squad from 13 to 12 players on February 26.

‘‘It all depends on how everything pans out,’’ Rainbow said.

‘‘It is a great foot in the door because you are constantly exposed to the big girls and the coaching at the highest level ... it is something that you have to play it by ear, take the opportunities and make the most of them.’’

Long-term injuries to either Geelong sister centres Madi Robinson and Kelsey Browne or Liz Watson could see Rainbow don the blue bib during the year.

The Cavaliers club product is still modestly playing down her chances of striking it in the big time.

‘‘I’m kinda looking at this as an opportunity to really further my netball,’’ Rainbow said.

‘‘I am taking every opportunity to take on board their feedback.’’

Rainbow last year was tied to Victorian club Monash University Storm in the first step to make her mark on the mainland. That included her tertiary studies in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.

But a strong word from Netball Tasmania high performance manager Julie Hoornweg to Vixens coaching staff suddenly fast-tracked Rainbow’s embryonic career.

But her immediate focus is securing a contract at back-to-back champions Victorian Fury this season.

‘‘It will be very tough because I am new to the Vic pathway and my position is potentially on the line in the team,’’ Rainbow said.

‘‘So it will be a very tough next few weeks to secure that.

‘‘It is all in the open and we’re fighting for that spot, so it will be another challenge to make it that far.’’