Trans-Tasman netball league preview panel for the five New Zealand-based teams.
NORTHERN MYSTICS
Based: Auckland
Coach: Debbie Fuller
Finish last year: Seventh
Main gains: Serena Guthrie (England), Camilla Lees, Paula Griffin
Main losses: Julie Corletto (Swifts), Bailey Mes, Erikana Pedersen
Comment: The Mystics need a strong start this year after losing four of their first five games last season. Shooters Maria Tutaia and Cathrine Latu were strangely sub-par, and the Laura Langman-headed midcourt also looked out of sorts. But with Kayla Cullen back from injury, England international Serena Guthrie a canny off-season recruitment and last year's defensive find Temalisi Fakahokotau looking good, this could be the season the Mystics finally deliver. The inclusion of former Magic mentor Noeline Taurua as specialist coach adds another dimension to the Mystics mix.
WAIKATO-BAY OF PLENTY MAGIC
Based: Hamilton
Coach: Julie Fitzgerald
Finish last year: Fourth
Main gains: n/a
Main losses: n/a
Comment: The Magic surprised last year with a new-look squad under new coach Julie Fitzgerald, opening the season with a five-game winning streak and continuing their run of being the only team to make every play-off since the league began in 2008. This season they boast a largely unchanged squad, although the absence of Silver Ferns skipper Casey Kopua as she recovers from a ruptured patella tendon means the Magic defensive end - apart from Leana de Bruin - is young and inexperienced. There's plenty of experience at the other end of the court where England international Jo Harten returns to reprise her developing combination with Silver Ferns shooter Ellen Halpenny.
CENTRAL PULSE
Based: Wellington
Coach: Robyn Broughton
Finish last year: Sixth
Main gains: Ameliaranne Wells (Firebirds), Jodi Brown
Main losses: Donna Wilkins (retired), Katarina Cooper, Camilla Lees, Paula Griffin
Comment: The Pulse promised much last season, but were punished by an inability to win across the Tasman and finished - once again - out of the play-offs. Former NZ veteran Irene van Dyk has been joined by brand new Silver Fern Ameliaranne Wells (ex Firebirds) and the vastly experienced Jodi Brown (Steel) to boost the shooting circle, while the Katrina Grant-headed defence looks as strong as ever. The midcourt links will be key, with Liana Leota and Elias Shadrock shouldering much of the responsibility.
CANTERBURY TACTIX
Based: Christchurch
Coach: Sue Hawkins
Finish last year: 10th
Main gains: Bailey Mes, Demelza Fellowes (Firebirds), Erikana Pedersen, Jane Watson
Main losses: Jade Clarke (Swifts), Sophia Fenwick, Jane Watson
Comment: Tactix scored a coup in signing new coach Sue Hawkins, a former Australian representative with extensive trans-Tasman experience who also coached England from 2008 for three years. Hawkins replaces retiring former NZ coach Leigh Gibbs, and her expertise will be invaluable in developing Silver Ferns shooter Bailey Mes, a key acquisition from Northern Mystics. The Tactix, who have won just seven games from 65 over the past five years, may struggle in the midcourt after losing English international Jade Clarke to the NSW Swifts.
SOUTHERN STEEL
Based: Invercargill/Dunedin
Coach: Janine Southby
Finish last year: Fifth
Main gains: Sophia Fenwick, Jane Watson, Katarina Cooper
Main losses: Erena Mikaere (Fever), Jodi Brown
Comment: The Steel finished last season strongly, winning their last four games on end to leapfrog above the Pulse on goal difference. Coach Janine Southby made a big call in the off-season, axing sister-in-law and Silver Ferns goal attack Jodi Brown and opting instead to boost youngster Te Paea Selby-Rickit as support for towering Jamaican shooter Jhaniele Fowler-Reid. Apart from seasoned midcourters Wendy Frew and Katarina Cooper, the Steel have compiled a youthful squad which nonetheless still boasts a solid core of trans-Tasman experience.
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