KEY POINTS:
As the start of the ANZ Championship draws near and anticipation builds, the players have declared themselves sick of the talk and ready for action.
The new transtasman league, which starts next weekend, had its launch in Auckland yesterday with representatives from each of the five New Zealand franchises taking on a team of former stars.
Silver Fern shooter Maria Tutaia, who will this year suit up for the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic franchise, said she couldn't wait for the season to begin.
"I'm really just looking forward to getting out there and playing," she said.
"The Aussies are such great rivals so it's great to get a chance to play them more regularly, and it's exciting for the young ones as well."
With five top Silver Ferns in their ranks, the Magic are the early favourites to take out the inaugural competition.
But Tutaia said that hasn't added any extra pressure on the side.
"It's all down to what happens on the day but if our team's there and the head's there then we back ourselves to come out on top."
The Wellington-based Central Pulse kick off the season next Saturday against Sharelle McMahon's Melbourne Vixens side.
