Netball: Magic's Casey is close to a return

Casey Kopua is almost back from her serious knee injury. Photo / Jason Dorday

Given what Casey Kopua offers a netball team, you'd think the Mystics would have politely encouraged her to rest for another week.

The Magic defender is close to making a long-awaited return from a serious knee injury and is rated an outside chance to play in tomorrow's important ANZ Championship clash between the Mystics and Magic in Auckland.

Victory for the Mystics would see them all but secure the New Zealand conference but Kopua is the type of player — even coming off an injury — who can influence a game.

With that in mind, the Mystics would still like to see the Silver Fern make her return tomorrow. Mystics shooter Maria Tutaia embraced the possibly of being marked by her international team-mate.

"I would love to see her out there on court," she said. "As soon as Casey gets out on court, I know the whole nation is behind her and wanting her to be able to strut her stuff and really show that she's been working hard with her rehab."

Any return for Kopua would be brief and Magic coach Julie Fitzgerald said during the week that the defender's minutes would be restricted.

"There is a chance, a slight chance, that Casey may be able to take part but it's still very much a week-by-week process," Fitzgerald told Radio Sport.

The Mystics have been boosted by the improved fitness of mid-courter Laura Langman, who left the floor with a hip injury during their win over the Tactix two weeks ago. Having the bye last week helped her recover and she will play tomorrow.

Meanwhile, the Central Pulse could grab the upper hand over the Southern Steel in the battle for the third and final playoff spot in the New Zealand conference when they meet in Palmerston North tonight.

The match will mark Joline Henry's 100th appearance in the competition, with the 32-year-old having played for the Mystics and Magic before joining the Pulse in 2012.

Palmerston North is as close to home as the ANZ Championship will get for Henry, who hails from Whanganui.

"Not everyone gets to play and do something they absolutely love every day," she said. "I've been fortunate to knock up 100 and I guess it's a real testament to those who have supported me on my journey."

The Steel edged the Pulse 50-49 in round 10 in Dunedin and Pulse captain Katrina Grant would like to return the favour today. Both sides have seven points and trail the Mystics and Magic but the Steel have a better goal percentage.