Netball's premier domestic competition, which kicks off today, could be more aptly named the United Nations league with imports adding plenty of life to the Coca- Cola Cup.
Six of the nine teams boast overseas talent drawn from four countries, but most interest will focus on how two of the game's
greatest goal shooters impact on the competition.
Topping the international players list, at least in terms of reputation, are South African captain Irene van Dyk at the Shakers and Diamonds Jamaican goal shoot Elaine Davis.
Both stand 1.90m tall, both are prodigiously gifted shooters and the hopes of their teams making it through to the semifinals rest to a large degree on their shoulders.
The 23-year-old Davis was one of the stellar performers at the world championships in Christchurch last year - her second trip to the champs - and that led to her being named Jamaican Sports Woman of the Year.
Van Dyk shot to prominence in New Zealand when her pinpoint marksmanship helped South African topple a distraught New Zealand at the 1995 world championships in England.
But even they will be looking up at the Magic's South African import, goal shoot Michelle Tupper, with the 25-year-old listed at 1.95m tall.
An Australian influence comes to North Shore franchise the Force in the shape of under-21 squad member Elise Middleton, who has spent time with both Sydney teams in the Australian national league, the Sandpipers and the Swifts.
English international Helen Lonsdale, a centre or wing attack, will team with van Dyk at the Shakers.
The Canterbury Flames boast Fijian captain Valimaina Davu at goal keep; while another Fijian with a familiar surname, defender Bulou Rabuka - daughter of former Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka - will bolster defending champions the Southern Sting's defence.
