After facing a number of delays in the contracting process, the Northern Mystics are finally set to reveal their first batch of signings for the upcoming ANZ Championship season.
Coach Yvonne Willering is expected to name 11 of her 12-strong squad for the inaugural season of the transtasmancompetition today, with the Mystics still investigating the possibility of signing a second ineligible player pending approval from Netball New Zealand.
Former Silver Fern and Fijian international Vilimaina Davu, who has shifted back to Auckland, is one of the players being considered.
It is likely former Force and Diamonds players will make up the bulk of the greater Auckland team. Among them are Silver Ferns Sheryl Scanlan and Leana de Bruin, who played under Willering at the Force last season, along with star midcourter Temepara George.
The Mystics are also believed to have secured the services of young Ferns shooter Paula Griffin.
It is rumoured she will be joined in the shooting circle by former Canterbury Flames shooter Jade Topia, who looks to be the only player to have played outside the Auckland region last year.
The addition of Topia, a member of the wider New Zealand squad, will go some way towards offsetting the loss of Maria Tutaia. Tutaia last week confirmed she will be heading south to link up with Silver Fern teammates Irene van Dyk, Laura Langman, Casey Williams and Joline Henry at the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic.
Despite Topia's inclusion, the Mystics shooting end is looking a little short on experience, with Topia, Griffin and Samoan international Catherine Latu all 21 or younger.
