KEY POINTS:
Waikato/Bay of Plenty have named six newcomers, spearheaded by experienced former Silver Ferns captain Anna Stanley, to help defend their national league netball title in 2007.
Stanley (nee Rowberry) joins Nicola Cooney, Joline Henry, Laura Langman, Tanya Lund, Irene van Dyk and Casey Williams from last year's winning line-up, her playing pedigree providing the perfect remedy for the loss of stalwart Amigene Metcalfe, who will miss this season through pregnancy.
Midcourters Katrina Anderson and Louise Moffat, defenders Nicola Browne and Kahurangi Waititi and shooter Asha Tett are the other newcomers to the team, which coach Noeline Taurua described as "a very exciting mix of players who offer very good balance".
Taurua felt the standard of fitness at the trials and what players had to offer was a cut above the corresponding time last year and she is excited by what she has seen.
"At this stage, and we've got a long way to go, I would say by the calibre and level of player that we've got they are all, apart from one, ready to take the court and could be seen as viable options," Taurua said.
"I'm excited about the mix and what I will not only be able to do with them on the court but also the individual personalities they bring."
Anderson returns to the Magic after two years on the sidelines following ankle reconstruction surgery and Taurua is impressed by her ability to create space and read the game.
Browne, who will spend February in India with the New Zealand women's cricket team, is described by Taurua as a "raw prospect" with the potential to become a great netballer.
Moffat and Kuharangi return to the Magic fold after successful personal National Bank Cup campaigns last year when they were loaned to the Flyers and Rebels respectively.
While Stanley has yet to reach full fitness after the birth of daughter, Taya, in November, there is no doubting her value with Taurua saying the street-wise campaigner oozed class during the trials.
Magic team: Katrina Anderson, Nicola Browne, Nicola Cooney, Joline Henry, Laura Langman, Tanya Lund, Louise Moffat, Anna Stanley, Asha Tett, Irene van Dyk, Kahurangi Waititi, Casey Williams.
- NZPA
