Netball: Southern Steel to play Mainland Tactix tomorrow despite van crash

Jhaniele Fowler-Reid was one of the Southern Steel players to have sustained injuries in a van crash yesterday. Photo / Photosport.

The table-topping Southern Steel's match against the bottom-placed Mainland Tactix will go ahead in Christchurch tomorrow night, despite yesterday's team van crash.

However the Steel are seeking replacement players to fill out their roster with four players having spent time in Christchurch Hospital's A and E department.

Midcourter Shannon Francois and shooter Jhaniele Fowler-Reid sustained minor injuries and were released later on Monday.

Shooter Te Paea Selby-Rickit suffered a rib injury and was released last night, while captain Wendy Frew was admitted overnight.

She underwent surgery to repair injuries to her elbow and leg and is expected to be discharged later today.

The bus ended on its side near the intersection of Memorial Ave and Clyde Road in Riccarton on Monday after colliding with a car.

Steel lead physiotherapist Corina Ngatuere said player recovery would be "gauged day by day" and remained the team's top priority.

"No decisions have been made regarding player availability for future games and won't be until we are further through the recovery process," she said.

Renowned for her tenaciousness, former Silver Fern Frew was adamant she would be "back on the court in no time".

"We are united together and this won't stop us," she said.

The Steel can apply for replacement players and a decision on that is expected tonight.

They can chase players from the second tier Beko League, from any team in the country, provided they have not alrady played two games for another ANZ Premiership team.

"Our tagline has always been 'made of Steel' - now we get to prove it," Steel chief executive Lana Winders said.