Northern Mystics
Coach: Helene Wilson
Key players: Bailey Mes, Anna Harrison.
Outlook: Retain a strong shooting line-up with Mes and Maria Folau — when she is available — and have bolstered their defence with Phoenix Karaka. Got the closest to beating the Steel last year and should be one of their tougher opponents again.
Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic
Coach: Margaret Forsyth
Key players: Lenize Potgieter, Casey Kopua.
Outlook: Return a strong defensive duo in Kopua and Kelly Jury, while Potgieter may be the dominant goal shoot of the league. With the likes of Monica Faulkner and Sam Sinclair around them, the Magic are capable of doing well.
Northern Stars
Coach: Kiri Wills
Key players: Ama Agbeze, Kayla Cullen.
Outlook: Better than last year. England captain Ama Agbeze is a great addition on defence, while Grace Kara brings experience and versatility.
Central Pulse
Coach: Yvette McCaesland-Durie
Key players: Katrina Grant, Ameliaranne Ekenasio.
Outlook: Last year’s runners-up were tough to score against, although have a younger looking side this season. Sulu Fitzpatrick is a quality defensive pick-up to partner Grant, while Ekenasio returning helps soften the blow of losing Cathrine Tuivaiti.
Mainland Tactix
Coach: Marianne Delaney-Hoshek
Key players: Temalisi Fakahokotau, Kate Beveridge.
Outlook: Should be improved on recent years, with a more than handy defensive line-up of Fakahokotau, Jane Watson and Jess Maclennan (nee Moulds). Experience in the midcourt is light, although Ellie Bird has emerged as one to watch in the shooters circle, as is one-test Diamond Beveridge.
