Steel chief executive Julie Paterson is disappointed but understanding of the decision of the New South Wales Swifts to pull out of the franchise's pre-season tournament in Queenstown later this month.
The Swifts accepted an invitation to play in the annual three-day tournament but withdrew and will play two matches against the Northern Mystics in Auckland on January 29 and 30 instead.
Some might have considered the change of heart bad form but Paterson was more forgiving when contacted for comment yesterday.
"I wouldn't say it is poor form.
"It is just financial constraints. They were really keen to come but, unfortunately, when it comes down to it, they were unable to get the money together. Like all of us, the decisions are based on what we can and can't afford to do."
Regardless, the decision is a blow for the tournament organisers.
The Steel management has been working hard to establish the pre-season tournament as the premier event and had levered some of the marketing for the event around the Swifts' star cast which includes Catherine Cox, Mo'onia Gerrard and Sonia Mkoloma.
"Obviously, we were disappointed because the Swifts are a great team. But... we have a great relationship with the Swifts and they kept in good communication with us all the way through. We really hoped they were going to be able to make it but it just wasn't to be this year.
"We've still got the [Brisbane] Firebirds coming and the Tactix and the Pulse are going to be there as well. So we're happy with it and it is a great opportunity for us to have a hit-out and take netball up into Central Otago."
