The Oamaru coach was enticed out of retirement by niece Reinga Bloxham, the Southern Steel’s new coach, as she looks to support her in developing the region’s top players.
"It’s definitely a whanau thing that I’m doing and it’s a way to support her by helping the talent coming through from our region," Salter said.
"That was the impetus to say yes. I’m probably going to be doing netball until my zimmer frame is rattling along the side of the court."
Salter has an impressive coaching resume, having won a national title with the Otago Rebels and Otago in 1998, its first NPC title in 66 years.
Before that she began her playing career in Eastern Southland and went on to play for the Silver Ferns.
The Beko League was set up this year to provide emerging talent with a pathway to the franchise level. It acted as a feeder team to Steel and it was likely several of its players would get opportunities in the top domestic league next year.
Netball South won the inaugural title this year, under new Steel assistant coach Lauren Piebenga, although that was not causing Salter to feel any added pressure.
"People say there’s always more pressure defending the title but I actually see it as a bonus.
"Everyone knows we’ve won it and I think that’s worth 10 points. It means the opposition are going to prepare very strongly, because they already know we’re good, and that’s even greater motivation for us to make sure we’re ready right from the first game."
Four apprentice coaches would be appointed to be mentored by Salter. It would not be a surprise for those four to be from the south, either, as Netball South chief executive Lana Winders is keen to offer opportunities to local coaches and players.
"The beauty of having someone like Georgie is that it creates an amazing opportunity to tap into her expertise. That’s going to be an incredible experience for four of our emerging coaches," Winders said.
An initial squad of 16 has been named for the team, which would have its final trial in February. The season opens in March.
