This weekend, Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel will host two ANZ Premiership sides, the New South Wales Swifts and the Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse at ILT Stadium Southland. This marks the first time the Swifts will play against the Steel and Pulse since the two teams’ domestic leagues replaced the trans-Tasman ANZ Championship in 2016.

The Steel will be led by experienced netballer, Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickit, as she gears up to play her 200th game in New Zealand’s elite domestic netball league. Selby-Rickit will be supported by Kate Heffernan as vice-captain and Sam Winders and George Fisher in the leadership group.

Head coach Reinga Bloxham is excited about the potential of the Steel’s leadership. “Kate is excited about the opportunity to lead alongside Hu. Sam and George will support them and are both experienced players. They’re a great mix,” said Bloxham.

Selby-Rickit is focused on bringing a sense of calmness to her role and encouraging balance among her team. “I want to bring a sense of calmness to the role and show my team the value of balance. So, train hard and give your all when we are together but also have fun and don’t take yourself too seriously,” she said.

On the other hand, the Swifts have been forced to reshuffle their squad due to a COVID-19 outbreak. The majority of the club’s rostered players are unable to travel, however, the team will be supported by 2023 training partners and QBE Swifts Academy athletes, as well as local talent from the southern region.

Match tickets for this weekend’s preseason games are now on sale online. Get ready to witness some exciting netball action as the Steel and Swifts gear up for the season ahead.

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