Retired former Steel defender Megan Hutton has answered an SOS and will fill in for the Canterbury Tactix for the next six weeks.
Hutton hung up her bib at the end of last season but a series of injuries in the Tactix ranks has paved the way for an unplanned return.
The Tactix' backcourt reserves have been depleted, with former Silver Ferns defender Anna Galvan breaking her wrist in the 18-goal loss to the West Coast Fever last week and Peta Stephens being ruled out for the remainder of the season with a shoulder injury.
"I'm just lending a helping hand while there are a few injury breaks," Hutton said.
"They've got a few home games coming up, so I can do it. But I'm just going to take it week by week."
Since retiring, Hutton has embarked on a new career, taking a job as an international flight consultant in Christchurch, and she was not expecting to make a return to top netball.
She has kept herself fit playing club netball and basketball.
"It has all been a bit of a surprise.
"I haven't had too much time to prepare but I'm ready for what-ever happens," she said.
Hutton has spent the past five years playing her netball in the deep South.
She had three years with the Sting in the now-defunct National Bank Cup and two years with the Steel in the ANZ Championship.
Galvan is expected to be sidelined for four to six weeks.
The Tactix' bid to replace Stephens with English shooter Jo Harten was denied by Netball New Zealand.
Winners of double passes to tonight's ANZ Championship match between the Southern Steel and the Central Pulse are. -Jill Gray, Caroline and Craig Brown, Amy Clark, Mary Gibb and Betty Richardson.
The tickets can be collected from the Lion Foundation Arena before the game.
