Otago has named a strong squad and is expected to be one of the teams to watch at the national under-21 tournament in Dunedin in July.
The province has had a proud record at the tournament over the past four years.
It won in 2008, was runner-up in 2006 and finished a respectable fourth in 2007 and 2009.
Otago has retained a large core of the squad which finished second in the Lois Muir Challenge this year and coach Lauren Piebenga has high expectations.
"We won't be taking anyone for granted by any means.
But we're pretty confident we've got the people to do the job," Piebenga said.
"We've got a lot of experience at both ends of the court ... and I couldn't really identify any weaknesses to tell the truth. We're pretty solid throughout. It's just about getting those combinations going and putting it together."
New Zealand Under-21 goal keep Jess Moulds spearheads a side featuring exciting newcomer Te Paea Selby-Rickit.
Selby-Rickit was called into the Steel squad when shooter Daneka Wipiiti was sidelined with an injury earlier this year.
Selby-Rickit will partner the experienced Greir Campbell and Kirsten Craig in the shooting circle.
New Zealand Under-21 squad member Shannon Francois will add some pace in the midcourt, supported by Clair Kersten, who has produced some dominating performances at club level.
Harriet Arbuckle will make her first appearance for Otago since relocating from the United Kingdom, where she has played county netball.
Defender Jaimee Power, who was the 2008 player of the tournament, retains her place in the team following some good performances for Otago in the Lois Muir Challenge campaign and club netball.
She will be joined by Kat Dimitrievska and Teuila Fuatai.
Defending champion Western shapes as the biggest hurdle.
Western won the Lois Muir Challenge and the bulk of that squad will likely return for the under-21 tournament..
"They performed really well in the Lois Muir and I expect they will be equally as strong in the under-21s."
