Netball: Magic hope Scholz deal will be approved

Peta Scholz was in top form playing for the World Seven team against the Silver Ferns recently. Photo / Getty Images

The Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic are bidding to field two ineligible players in next year's transtasman competition after wooing former Australian international Peta Scholz.

It is believed Scholz has signed a letter of intent to play for the franchise, but the Magic will need to get approval from Netball New Zealand before they can officially contract the 54-test veteran.

Scholz, who in her prime was regarded as one of the best wing defences in the game, was a key member of the World Seven team that beat the Silver Ferns 2-1.

Despite the fact that she retired from international duties five years ago, and last played in Australia's Commonwealth Bank Trophy in 2007, the 33-year-old Scholz proved during the series she had lost very little in her time away from international netball.

When the subject of coming out of retirement to play in the ANZ Championship was broached during the series, Scholz was non-committal.

"I change my mind every day - sometimes I think it would be nice play in the ANZ Championships. But I have family, and I work. It's a massive commitment and I'm not sure if I'm ready to do that," she said in August.

But the Magic's reputation as a "family friendly" franchise may have played a part in Scholz's decision. It is also likely money will be a significant factor as the athletic defender will need to uproot her young family for six months if the deal is confirmed.

The Magic may have a tough time convincing Netball NZ to approve the deal as they already signed Samoan international Frances Solia as their one allowable ineligible player. The Waikato side will have to prove to the national body that Scholz has not been included in the squad at the expense of a local player who is up to reasonable standard.

If the Magic are granted permission to sign Scholz for 2010 it will further bolster the Waikato line-up that was hit hard by off-season departures. Silver Ferns Joline Henry and Maria Tutaia will turn out for the Northern Mystics next season, while former international and expectant mother Leana de Bruin has signed with the Southern Steel.

But with the Magic having already recruited Jodi Brown to replace Tutaia, and now the possibility of Scholz filling Henry's spot on the roster, the Waikato side are shaping up to be just as competitive on paper as they were this season.

The Magic aren't the only Kiwi franchise set to put a case forward to Netball New Zealand's eligibility panel to sign a second import. The Mystics are also looking in to the possibility of signing two ineligible players. The Auckland side already have former Samoan international Cathrine Latu on their books, and coach Te Aroha Keenan said at the weekend they were waiting to hear back from Netball NZ whether a second import is an option.

The Pulse are guaranteed to field two overseas imports next year, after being granted the right to do so as part of a "rescue package" for the under-performing club. The league office introduced concessions at the end of last season aimed at supporting teams in the lower half of the competition - specifically any team finishing ninth or 10th for consecutive seasons.

The Pulse have already signed former Australian shooter Jane Altschwager and it is believed they are close to confirming English defender Ama Agbeze, who played for the championship-winning Melbourne Vixens last year, but received little court time there. Agbeze has since missed selection in the England squad.