Netball: Sinclair ready for big occasion

Rotorua's Sam Sinclair in action against the Thunderbirds.

Sunday's Magic v Steel ANZ Championship game at Rotorua Energy Events Centre is a homecoming for former John Paul College student Sam Sinclair.

Sinclair has tasted the atmosphere of an ANZ Championship game in Rotorua twice before, as the Magic took on the Mystics last year and the Thunderbirds in 2014.

"It's always a big occasion for me.

"Everyone in my team knows I'm from Rotorua and I'm really excited for it," the 20-year-old said. Magic haven't had the best start to the season with two losses on the road - a heartbreaking 57-56 result to the Pulse and a 78-50 thumping at the hands of the Swifts.

"I think the fact that we have been on the road for the last two weeks and now we finally get to play a game at home was always going to be a big deal, whether it's Rotorua or Hamilton, but for me personally, playing in Rotorua is always cool because I am guaranteed my family is going to be there, with friends and people I have grown up playing netball around and with."

She said there was no extra pressure and, if anything, she found it a little bit easier playing in front of people she knew.

There is optimism the first home game will also be the first win of the season.

"It's not been the best start - coming off the big loss last week and the one point loss the week before is quite difficult - but it's also extra motivation for us to go harder at training.

"We don't have a losing mindset, we are all winners. It's been a good learning curve for us, we've learned a lot over the last two games and basically every game it's back to the drawing board whether we win or lose."

Personally, Sinclair has been reasonably happy with her form.

"I think I've been going alright - I'm pretty happy with what I've been putting out there, but there is always room for improvement."

As a member of the Silver Ferns development squad last year, Sinclair is keen to continue her progress, with the Silver Ferns proper the goal.

"It was inspirational last year to be able to trial for that world cup squad and I gave it my all - that was a really fun time and something I'd love to be part of one day.

"(A place in the Silver Ferns) is definitely at the back of my mind and something to keep working on, but at the moment my focus is on the Magic."

Sinclair said there was a special rivalry between Sunday's teams.

"We met them in some pretty challenging games last year. We went into extra time in the knock out game last year, which we won in the end - so there's a bit of a rivalry going on there. My boyfriend's actually from Southland too, so that's something else, but he's always on my side."

With the Magic having the bye in round 4, Sinclair said she would stay in Rotorua after the game for a few days to catch up with friends.

The Steel were beaten in their opening game of the season by the West Coast Fever, and drew with the Tactix in their second round game.

- Sunday's game starts at 4.10pm.