Netball: Harten transfers to Magic

English import Jo Harten will play for the Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic in next year's ANZ Championship as the franchise looks to life after Irene van Dyk. Photo / Getty Images.

English import Jo Harten will play for the Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic in next year's ANZ Championship as the franchise looks to life after Irene van Dyk.

Following van Dyk's departure to the Central Pulse, the Magic, who have also lost mid-courter Laura Langman (Mystics) for next season, were in need of a new goal shoot and they have settled on the 1.88m Harten.

"It was just the opportunity to play in a different set-up and with a different team,'' she said. ``Also the Magic franchise is steeped in success which made it a very attractive move for me.

"Obviously I've been in the Tactix team for two years and we haven't had the most success but I understood that going into that team and now seeing the Magic hand over from one era, and hopefully build another, is a very exciting opportunity and to be a part of that would be great for my netball career.''

With 48 test caps under her belt, Harten, 24, has been at the forefront of a resurgent England team in recent years.

The incoming Magic coaching line-up of Julie Fitzgerald, who has been immersed at varying levels of Australian netball for many years, and former Silver Ferns shooter Margaret Forsyth, also proved an attractive drawcard for Harten to join head north.

Fitzgerald, who first saw Harten play at the world youth championships in 2009, was immediately impressed by her calmness and accuracy.

"Over the last four years, Jo has grown into one of the international game's leading shooters, providing the focal point at the end of England's attack line,'' she said.

"A player like Jo is invaluable because of the variety they bring to the circle. She is capable of playing a strong holding game, providing good movement and options to her feeders and mixing this up when the game demands.''

Harten is set to take part in England trials this weekend ahead of a three-test series against South Africa next month.

England will also play a test series against the Silver Ferns in England in January before Harten relocates to New Zealand for pre-season training with the Magic.

Harten joins recent signings Leana de Bruin, Brooke Leaver and Samantha Sinclair on Magic's 2014 roster to date.