Netball: Mainland Tactix coach Sue Hawkins resigns

Sue Hawkins. Photo / Photosport

The Mainland Tactix's horror start to the 2017 ANZ Premiership season has resulted in coach Sue Hawkins resigning.

The Tactix have lost all five games this season, by an average of 21.8 goals per game. The worst defeat of them all came last week, when they were humiliated 90-41 by the Southern Steel.

That was followed by a 61-46 defeat to the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic which proved to be the final straw for Hawkins, with the Australian coach stepping down in their third season at the helm. In that timeframe, the Tactix won just three of their 31 games.

"Moving forward as a professional coach, there is a time when you have to step aside in the interest of the team," said Hawkins, who had signed a two year extension last August.

"I have enjoyed my time with the Tactix and wish them all the best for the rest of the season."

Netball Mainland Chief Executive Brigit Hearn thanked Hawkins for her contributions and professionalism in the role.

"We are sorry to be losing Sue's expertise. We respect her reasons for making this difficult decision and wish her all the very best for the future" said Hearn.

Current assistant coach Marianne Delaney-Hoshek will be taking over the reins for the remainder of the season.

Her first game in charge will be when the Tactix face the Northern Stars in a bottom of the table clash on Sunday.