Netball: Tutaia to the fore with Mystics

Maria Tutaia says she is enjoying the responsibility of providing leadership to her younger teammates. Photo / Martin Sykes

A spate of injuries in the Northern Mystics camp is providing added challenges for coach Te Aroha Keenan as she attempts to mould together her new-look side.

Just four players remain from last year's squad after the Mystics launched an aggressive off-season recruitment campaign, snaring Silver Ferns Maria Tutaia, Joline Henry and Larrissa Willcox as well as star Jamaican defender Althea Byfield.

Rival ANZ Championship teams will today get their first glimpse of the revamped Auckland side, with the Mystics set to take on the Central Pulse and Southern Steel on day one of the pre-season tournament in Queenstown.

But with a number of frontline players struggling with injury niggles, the Mystics' defensive end will not be seen at full-strength this weekend, while down the other end of the court, their first-string combinations will only be used sparingly.

The most concern is over Silver Ferns defender Joline Henry, who joins the Mystics this season after nearly 10 years in the Waikato. Henry will not play at all this weekend as she is suffering from a calf strain, but Keenan said her withdrawal is a largely precautionary measure.

Another key off-season signing, Jamaican import Althea Byfield, will have her workload managed over the course of the three-day tournament as she recovers from a shoulder injury.

With the Mystics light on defenders, Dunedin-based New Zealand under-21 player Jessica Moulds, who is originally from Whangarei, has been drafted in to the side as cover.

Henry said she is disappointed to be sidelined this weekend, as it would have been a prime opportunity to fine tune defensive combinations with her new teammates.

"It's definitely not where I wanted to be at this stage. I would like to get out there and consolidate things and learn things about my new peers, but then I've still got a bit of time to do that."

"Better it happen now than halfway through the season," the 40-test Silver Fern said.

Henry's injury has added a further complication to what has already been a very challenging pre-season.

The 27-year-old started the year out with a gruelling 10-day camp on the Gold Coast, where the Silver Ferns squad were put through their paces in readiness for what will be an extremely busy 2010.

Upon returning, the former Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic captain has spent the past three weeks coming to grips with a new team environment and structures.

"It is challenging, just because it is so new. I guess I've just become so used to structures in the Waikato and I had a good bunch of training mates."

Henry spent a six-week block in the lead-up to Christmas doing her own individual training programme in Hamilton. She is now commuting to Auckland three days a week for team trainings and skill-work and on the intervening days doing her own fitness sessions in the Waikato.

Henry said she plans to continue to commute during the season, which will mean a lot of long lonely hours slogging it out by herself.

"It is a learning curve, but what better way to grow and to challenge yourself by doing some things by yourself? There's a lot to be said when you're putting in the work when no one else is watching."

The Mystics' injury troubles aren't just restricted to the defensive end.

There will also be plenty of strapping sported in the attack end this weekend with Maria Tutaia (hand), Cathrine Latu (wrist) and Jenny May Coffin (calf) all battling minor complaints.

Tutaia, who has sprained two fingers on her left hand, said the pain doesn't trouble her as much as the placement does.

"I've just stressed the ligament a wee bit, but it's my wedding-ring finger so I do have to be extra careful with it," she joked.

Tutaia won't be the only one desperate not to see any further harm come of her precious digit.

The talented youngster, who turned 23 yesterday, is set to play a key role in the Mystics attack end this season.

After playing in the shadow of Irene van Dyk at the Magic for the past two seasons, Tutaia will be the most experienced shooter at the Mystics and will be required to step up and lead by example.

Tutaia said she is enjoying the challenge of taking on more of a leadership role and share her experience with rookie shooters Kayla Cullen and Bailey Mes.

"It's nice to kind of help out the young ones. I'm really enjoying the challenge," said Tutaia. "We've still got a lot more adjustments to make. Combinations-wise I'm still getting used to playing with everyone."

Cullen, Mes and young defender Sulu Tone-Fitzpatrick can expect plenty of court-time this weekend as Keenan looks to get a gauge of their development.

"It's not about thrashing everyone and winning the tournament, it's about looking after what we have," said Keenan.

"We're really looking forward to getting some younger ones on. We have to see where they're at."

ANZ CHAMPIONSHIP

PRESEASON TOURNAMENT

Queenstown Events Centre

Today-Sunday

Participating teams: Northern Mystics, Central Pulse, Canterbury Tactix, Southern Steel, Queensland Firebirds, Australian Institute of Sport

2010 Mystics squad: Althea Byfield, Jenny-May Coffin, Kayla Cullen, Temepara George*, Joline Henry, Cathrine Latu*, Bailey Mes, Finau Pulu*, Grace Rasmussen*, Sulu Tone-Fitzpatrick, Maria Tutaia, Larrissa Willcox

* Played for the Mystics last season