Trans-Tasman Showdown for Steel

The Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel has added an international element to its preseason preparation in the form of the New South Wales Swifts.

The southern franchise will host their Australian counterparts from 4-7 February at ILT Stadium Southland, along with the Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse.

Boasting a combined total of eight respective premierships to their credit since the clubs first crossed paths in the trans-Tasman Championship in 2008 (three for Swifts and Pulse and two for Steel), the trio will undoubtedly deliver a netball showdown highly-anticipated by fans on both sides of the Tasman.

Steel chief executive Lana Winders said the fixture was an exciting addition to the Steel’s 2023 calendar.

“Not only does it give our players a strong opponent to hone their preparations on the court, it adds another benefit into our VIP memberships for the season,” she said.

“Invercargill is often hailed as the netball capital and we are rapt to bring high calibre international netball back to the city for our dedicated and passionate fans. Our community will witness some really high-performing netball and superstars of our sport in action.

“We’re adding a festival day into the mix as well so the next generation of players can engage with their sporting heroes. It’s going to be an epic way to launch our 2023 campaign.”

Entry to the preseason games is included with Steel’s 2023 VIP Invercargill Membership packages.

Existing members can renew their seats from now until Sunday 13 November before new membership sales start on 16 November. Match tickets will be on sale in December.

Swifts executive general manager Kath Tetley said the franchise was “delighted” to be heading to Invercargill to renew on-court rivalries.

“Our clubs are very well acquainted as a result of the trans-Tasman competition from 2008 to 2016, and our respect for each other on and off the court has always been incredibly strong,” she said.

“We know how passionate people in the far south of New Zealand are about their netty and we cannot wait to play in front of a very passionate and parochial crowd who always add so much to the occasion. In my opinion, both Sydney and Invercargill are home to some of the greatest netball fans in the world.

“Our players, coaches and staff are hugely excited about the trip across the Tasman and looking forward to a wonderful festival of netball during our time there.”

Steel head coach Reinga Bloxham said the encounters would form an important part of the team’s ANZ Premiership build-up.

“The chance to host the Swifts and the Pulse is fantastic. Both have unique styles and offer something different which adds to the challenge for us,” she said.

“It’s definitely going to provide us with some vital high intensity game play against quality sides.”