Netball South ought to feel confident about its prospects in the inaugural national under-23 competition, even if it is a bit of a venture into the unknown.
Otago is the reigning national and under-21 champion and Netball South can also draw on a solid contingent of back-up Steel players.
The combined Otago-Southland team will get its campaign under way this weekend with matches against Central and Mainland in Timaru.
The tournament is designed to bridge the gap to the ANZ Championship and will act as a feeder competition for the five New Zealand franchises.
But while South has a formidable line-up with six Steel players in its ranks for this weekend's games, coach Noeline Scott said no-one really knew what to expect.
''It is sort of hard to know because this is a whole new competition,'' Scott said.
''Because it is designed to be a feeder competition, I think we will find that it is a big step up from the NPC or the under-21s. In a way there are people playing in this tournament who are playing for their future next year.''
South should be strong throughout the court but looks particularly strong in the shooting circle, where Otago's Te Paea Selby-Rickit and Kate Shearer carry the scoring responsibilities.
Steel back-up defenders Storm Purvis and Phoenix Karaka will have a point to prove after getting limited opportunities for the Steel this season.
Hayley Crofts is over-age but has been granted dispensation and will join Gina Crampton and Stacey Peeters in the midcourt. Crampton will captain the side.
''We've got some real experience and strength throughout court. But all the teams have franchise players.''
The Waikato Bay of Plenty and Northern zones have entered two teams, so it will be a seven-team competition.
The teams play round-robin games, with the top four teams progressing through to the semifinals.
''We want to do the best we can and if that includes winning it, that is perfect,'' Scott said.
The team has had seven or eight weeks together but preparation has been interrupted periodically by the ANZ Championship.
South had a win against Mainland in a pre-season game but both sides were without their franchise players. There have also been a couple of games against composite teams.
''Everyone is looking fit and strong, so that is always good. And with those girls coming from the Steel, they have really set a good standard.''
Netball South
Under-23 squad
Te Paea Selby-Rickit, Kate Shearer, Emma Kirkpatrick, Kirsten Craig, Gina Crampton, Stacey Peeters, Hayley Crofts, Miaana Walden, Phoenix Karaka, Storm Purvis, Celina Ledgard, Rebecca Purvis.
