Saviour Tui has been a bright spark for the Steel this season, even if it has been a struggle for her returning from an off-season knee injury and an ankle niggle she picked up against the Northern Mystics.
The shooter has been a solid target at the back, really strong on her take, creating good space, and never afraid to go to the post.
She was influential in the Steel’s closest losses this season, against the Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic, shooting 28 goals from 31 attempts at 90.3%, and recently against the Northern Stars, finishing with 27 from 30 at 90%. Both games she only played three quarters.
"I’m feeling really happy," Tui said.
"I’m really blessed to even be able to be with the team."
Tui, nicknamed the "smiling assassin" for her infectious grin, tore the meniscus in her knee in August last year and returned to the court in round three against the Mainland Tactix.
"I was just really happy that I was still able to come back.
"I definitely have like a lot of support from my family . . . and then the Steel family as well. Everyone’s just helped me a lot through this journey."
In the absence of George Fisher, Tui has taken over the goal shoot bib and has really come into her own.
Shooting at an average of 83.7% this season, her combination with Georgia Heffernan out the front continues to improve.
Tui is growing in confidence with every game.
"It’s pretty challenging, but it’s good, because I’ve got like a lot of help from everyone, George, Georgia and Eseta [Autagavaia]."
The 21-year-old already had a previous connection to Autagavaia, the Steel’s replacement player, with both shooters representing Samoa at the Oceania Netball World Cup Qualifiers in July last year. Central Pulse midcourter Ainsleyana Puleiata also played for Samoa.
Samoa beat the Cook Islands and Papua New Guinea comfortably but lost to Tonga and narrowly to host Fiji, which both qualified for the World Cup.
It will be Tonga’s first appearance.
Despite failing to qualify for the pinnacle event, it was a special experience for Tui to connect with her culture further through netball.
"[I am] Obviously really blessed to be able to have that opportunity.
"It was pretty cool. We had so much fun with the girls."
Having international opportunities taught her a lot and to bring back what she gained there to her second year with the Steel.
She will need to draw on all that experience tomorrow when she comes up against one of the best defensive duos in the league.
Tactix defenders Jane Watson and Karin Burger have been outstanding this season, with Burger leading the competition for intercepts with 24 to her name.
At the other end of the court, Kimiora Poi (262 feeds) and Te Paea Selby-Rickit (151 centre pass receives) continue to dominate, while Aliyah Dunn (91.7%) has added another layer to her game, getting on the move more with her new franchise.
Tomorrow is the first — and only — early afternoon game for the Steel this season as it hosts the Tactix in Dunedin at 2pm.
ANZ Premiership
Edgar Centre, 2pm tomorrow
Southern Steel: Eseta Autagavaia, Georgia Heffernan, Saviour Tui, Sam Winders, Ivari Christie, Kate Heffernan, Renee Savai’inaea, Kate Burley, Courtney Elliott, Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickit.
Mainland Tactix: Aliyah Dunn, Te Paea Selby-Rickit, Vika Koloto, Laura Malcolm, Kimiora Poi, Parris Petera, Paris Lokotui, Jane Watson, Karin Burger, Kate Lloyd.
