An element of the unknown could prove a secret weapon for the Southern Blast netball team this season.
Plenty of new names feature in the 16-strong squad named by Netball South to contest the 2021 National Netball League.
But there are also some familar faces fighting their way back from injury.
Shooters Georgia Heffernan and Jennifer O’Connell were badly injured during the Steel campaign last year.
Both required knee surgery but will make their return with the Southern Blast.
Coach Jo Morrison said she was thrilled to have them 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.
"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."
Netball NZ 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."
The Southern Blast squad also comprises shooters Harriett 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 begin its season in Invercargill on April 18 against the Northern Comets. The game is a curtain-raiser for the Steel’s ANZ Premiership opener against the Tactix.
National
Netball League
Southern Blast: Harriett Cuttance, Chloe Davis, Kate Hartley, Georgia Heffernan, Lisa Lin, Mara McCurdy, Killarney Morey, Grace Namana, Jennifer O’Connell, Laura Overton, Lauren Picket, Meg Sycamore, An Taka, Meleitia, Daniella Titoko, Georgia White
