The 2024 Netball ANZ Premiership season gets underway this weekend with the Northern Mystics looking to go back-to-back in the eighth season of the competition.
The Auckland side will look to prioritise player development in 2024 and will try to have younger players step up and take responsibility on the court.
Many domestic Kiwi coaches and players believe that the standard of play in the domestic league needs to be lifted to improve the quality of the SIlver Ferns.
An improved domestic league is something that re-appointed Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua wants and New Zealand’s best player still backs the ANZ Premiership, despite calls for Kiwis to play in overseas competitions.
It comes as coaches and players believe that the standard of play in the domestic league needs to be lifted to improve the quality of the Silver Ferns. (Source: 1News)
Mystics shooter Grace Nweke said she is trying to get the best training she can get in New Zealand to become a world class player.
“I do definitely feel that there is a bit of a gap sometimes going from ANZ into internationals and really picking up speed and competing with those girls who play in Suncorp (Australia). I think if we buy into what we're doing here and train hard, I don't think that's an excuse,” said Nweke.
Mystics defender Phoenix Karaka said she thinks player development is a space that the Auckland side are doing really well in.
“I'm proud of the efforts that we put in, to really give the ones that are coming through the confidence to be on court to start with,” said Karaka.
With the opening round commencing on Saturday, this will be the first chance for Kiwi players to showcase World Netball’s new rules.
Teams can now make tactical changes after a goal is scored, the short pass has been amended and players can now be sent off immediately for dangerous play.
Pulse co-captain Kelly Jackson reacted to the new rule changes at the launch of the competition on Monday.
“Defensively one of the biggest things is that you don't want to be sent off, I’m all for the rolling subs, it's going to be interesting to see how fast people can adapt,” she said.
The Pulse will travel to play the South Auckland Stars on Sunday with Stars coach Kiri Wills opting to bring back Australian-based mid-courter Gina Crampton for two games as injury cover.
“Emma Thompson had quite a serious concussion…the reason for bringing Gina back is to give Thompson a couple more weeks to get back into things,” said Wills.
Round one starts tomorrow with the Mystics travelling to Hamilton to face the Magic, the Stars host the Pulse on Sunday in Auckland before the Tactix take on the Southern Steel on Monday to cap off the opening weekend.
The Mystics' opening round clash against the Magic will be free to air with fans able to watch the game on TVNZ 2 and TVNZ+.
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