The franchise yesterday released the names of seven players it has signed for 2013 but shooter Donna Wilkins and defender Demelza McCloud were not among them.
Wilkins is thought to be heading north to play for the Central Pulse and McCloud, who did not return calls yesterday, is understood to have signed with the Queensland Firebirds.
While Wilkins' expected departure will not come as a surprise, McCloud's exit will. She was one of best performed players last season and has recently bought a house in Dunedin. However, it appears the former Australian international will return to the Firebirds. She played for the franchise in 2009 and is thought to have been lured across the Tasman on a two-year deal.
Last month, reports in the media suggested Wilkins had turned down an offer of more than $100,000 to remain with the Steel and the Pulse had firmed as favourite to secure her signature.
Both were key players for the Steel in 2012 and their absence would create significant recruitment headaches for a franchise which appears to be slipping down the pecking order.
However, yesterday's announcement did deliver some positive news.
Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic defender Sulu Tone-Fitzpatrick will don Steel colours. She has made one appearance for the Silver Ferns but, with Leana de Bruin and Casey Williams blocking her progress at the Magic, she has elected to move south in the hope of more opportunities.
With McCloud not expected to be in the picture, it is a smart move by Tone-Fitzpatrick. She will link up with New Zealand under-21 captain and 2012 ANZ Championship rookie of the year finalist Storm Purvis.
Purvis played a key role in helping Otago secure its first national banner in 14 years this season and will be joined by Otago team-mates Shannon Francois and Te Paea Selby-Rickit. Dynamic Australian Courtney Tairi also returns in the midcourt.
The team's experience is bolstered by Silver Ferns shooter Jodi Brown and the return of former Silver Ferns midcourter Wendy Frew.
Frew has been a stalwart of Steel and Sting sides for more than a decade but took last season off to start a family. She welcomed son Archie in August.
"While absolutely nothing can beat the joys of motherhood, I am looking forward to returning to the court next year," Frew said.
"I have always been extremely proud to represent this region and with returning to the Steel I hope I can ultimately show Archie the importance of loyalty, teamwork and working hard to achieve your goals."
Brown, who was recently called into the national team after a five-year hiatus, said she was excited about the season ahead.
"We had a lot of new factors last season - players, coaches and management involved with the Steel for the first time, new expectations and cultures to establish," Brown said.
"Now, with the core of our team returning, we won't be starting from scratch again, so it will be great to just take a step forward in terms of what we are aiming to build here."
Steel players
Confirmed for 2013
Jodi Brown, Wendy Frew, Storm Purvis, Sulu Tone-Fitzpatrick, Courtney Tairi, Shannon Francois, Te Paea Selby-Rickit.
