There is a familiar look to the initial Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic squad named yesterday to defend their national netball league title next year.
All 11 of this year's champion team were included in the enlarged preliminary squad of 16.
The Magic moved quickly to re-sign their talent after breaking the Southern Sting's six-year domination of the National Bank Cup with an emphatic win in this year's final.
Boasting match-winning Irene van Dyk, the world's most capped netball international and five other current or former Silver Ferns, Magic coach Noeline Taurua has assembled a potent squad.
"As soon as the National Bank Cup finished this year there was a huge push to make sure we secured all of our players for the trials next year because once the NPC starts every man and his dog is out there trying to attract the talent," Taurua said.
"You've got to get in there quickly to make sure everyone you want is tied up."
The Otago Rebels squad has plenty of new faces.
From last season's squad of 16, only seven players remain.
Magic: Kiri Adams, Liana Barrett-Chase, Rebecca Gabel, Joline Henry, Evelyn Horomia, Laura Langman, Amigene Metcalfe, Louise Moffat, Melissa Ruru, Anna Senio, Hayley Stockman, Karla Sutton, Irene van Dyk, Kahurangi Waititi, Arahi Wall, Casey Williams.
Rebels: Dana Bond, Hannah Broederlaw, Phillipa Duncan, Katrina Grant, Meagan Grey, Debbie Hill, Frances Jackways, Amber Kersten, Angela Mitchell, Anna Molineaux, Emma Moynihan, Aliesha Rowlands, Lizzie Sandon, Jessica Tuki, Debbie White.
- NZPA
Netball: Magic stick to winning formula
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