An element of the unknown could prove a secret weapon for the Southern Blast netball team this season.
New faces are a feature of the 16-strong squad named by Netball South to contest the 2021 National Netball League and will present a challenge for opposition teams.
Coach Jo Morrison believes an exciting season is looming for the team.
“This is a young group but I’m confident each of these players will be determined to make the most of this opportunity and really show what they are capable of,” she said.
Netball New Zealand has granted approval for two Australian players with New Zealand citizenship to join the squad – defender Ana Taka, from Queensland, and midcourter Daniella Titoko, from Perth – who have ventured across the Tasman for university study.
“They will bring a new style of play which we can integrate into our own game plan.”
Former Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel shooters Jen O’Connell and Georgia Heffernan have also been included as they continue their recovery from ACL injuries sustained during the ANZ Premiership last year.
“We’re thrilled to have both Jen and Georgia in the mix as we support them in their return to the court. To have them in our environment is massive given the experience they can share with the younger players,” Morrison said.
“It also allows them to gain confidence as they come back from such a tough injury and we will work with them to manage that responsibly.”
The Southern Blast squad also comprises shooters Harriet Cuttance, Chloe Davis, Grace Namana and Meleitia Tatupu, midcourters Kate Hartley, Meg Sycamore, Killarney Morey and Georgia White, and defenders Lisa Lin, Mara McCurdy, Lauren Pickett and Laura Overton.
Southern Blast will kick off its season in Invercargill on 18 April, taking on the Northern Comets at ILT Stadium Southland. The game is a precursor to the Steel v Tactix ANZ Premiership opener.
“We do have a favourable draw which aligns well with the Steel this season and that enables us to work together more which will be beneficial,” Morrison said.
“There’s a real synergy between the Blast and the Steel and that’s important for our player pathways here in the south.”
She was eager to see the Blast take the court after Covid devastated the team’s 2020 campaign.
“For those of us back this season, it was important for us to dump the disappointment of the league not proceeding last year because mentally it was really challenging and a rollercoaster of emotions.
“It also makes us appreciate every chance we get to take the court and represent the south with pride and that will fuel our energy.”