The NSW Firestars did their national title hopes no harm by winning four from six games including a 7-0 thrashing of defending premiers Queensland Heat.

The two rivals share second spot, while the undefeated WA Flames are the early frontrunners for the title.

New Zealand White Sox made a promising debut in their first Gilleys Shield appearance, winning two matches.

Western Sydney are well represented in the Firestars line-up through Karina Cannon, Kelly Gentle, Ashlee Pobjie and Stacey Porter, while Sutherland Shire representative Kyira Cox works in Rooty Hill as a Softball NSW technical officer. ``Our hopes this season are to win the title and develop the young players coming through the senior ranks,'' Cox said.

Firestars players also hope to impress national selectors for when the Australian side is selected to contest the world titles in Oklahoma, US, next year.

The world titles meeting, held every four years, has become the most important tournament after the sport was dropped recently from the 2012 and 2016 Olympics.

It was a big blow for Australian softball, which won either silver and bronze at the four Olympics between 1996 and 2008.

``It was disappointing but we've moved our focus to the world titles,'' Cox said.

The Firestars turn their focus to round two, which will be played in Melbourne next month.

The fourth and final round will be played in February.