Former Silver Fern Noeline Taurua will coach the national team at next year's Netball World Cup in Liverpool
In the wake of losing Maria Folau, the Northern Mystics have cast their net across the ditch to recruit their latest shooter.
Folau announced that she would be leaving the Mystics earlier this month to permanently relocate to Sydney which inevitably saw a gap in the Mystics' shooting line-up.
But hoping to fill the big shoes left by one of the worlds most renowned goal attacks will be Australian Giants shooter Kristina Brice who was named as part of next year's ANZ Premiership Mystics roster.
The 24-year-old will be among four new faces in the squad as the Auckland-based side look to improve on this year's fourth-place finish.
Mystics coach Helene Wilson said Brice would contribute valuable experience to the shooting circle.
"Kristina is known as a prolific shooter who enjoys contributing on court to her team's success and is joining the Northern Mystics after two successful seasons in the Suncorp Super Netball League, playing with the Giants," said Wilson.
"She will bring another exciting dimension to our attacking end of the court."
Mystics coach Helene Wilson. Photo / Getty
Also joining the team will be experienced defender Erena Mikaere, who returns to New Zealand after playing four seasons in Australia with the championship-winning Sunshine Coast Lightning, alongside young talent Emma Iversen and Tayla Earle.
"We are excited to add experience and positional versatility to our defence end by welcoming Erena Mikaere to the Northern Mystics ... Erena's height and athleticism will be a fantastic addition to our team," Wilson said.
"Emma displayed her attacking flair and speed in the ANZ Premiership in 2017 and as a mature player who can read, play and swing the ball at speed, she will add another exciting dynamic to our team.
"Tayla is an exciting player who has come through the Netball Northern Zone's Performance Programme and will complement the defensive end of the court."
Wilson was delighted to announce that Bailey Mes, Elisapeta Toeava, Michaela Sokolich Beatson, Phoenix Karaka and Jamie Hume had all recommitted to the Mystics.
Grace Kukutai was also named after being part of the side this season as a training partner.
The Northern Mystics' opening game will be against the Central Pulse in Hamilton on February 24.
Northern Mystics 2019 team:
Kristina Brice Tayla Earle Jamie Hume Emma Iverson Phoenix Karaka Grace Kukutai Bailey Mes Erena Mikaere Michaela Sokolich-Beatson Elisapeta Toeava
Silver Ferns goal shoot Grace Nweke speaks about the Constellation Cup series and the rivalry against the Diamonds in the final match. Video / Alyse Wright
