Netball: Steel name new coaches

The Southern Steel (Blue) will have a new coaching staff for the next year's ANZ Championship. Photo / Getty Images

The Southern Steel will be coached in next year's trans-Tasman netball league by New Zealand under-21 coach Janine Southby and former Australian international Natalie Avellino the franchise announced today.

The pair will take over the role vacated by foundation coach Robyn Broughton who opted not to apply for the post again when the job was advertised after a disappointing season.

Six applicants contested the role and Steel chief executive Julie Paterson said the franchise was confident the pair would excel in the role.

"Janine and Natalie are undoubtedly coaches with enormous potential, which has already been identified at national level by Netball New Zealand, so we're thrilled they have agreed to be at the helm of the Steel.

"Both were standout candidates during the appointment process and the panel soon recognised how their skills complemented each other. We are confident this will be a very strong combination to lead the Steel next year," Paterson said.

Avellino, who has worked as assistant coach for the national secondary schools team, said she was keen to work alongside Southby.

"I think it's going to be a great partnership - we're smart enough and experienced enough to work with our strengths to develop a successful team culture both on and off the court," she said.

Southby was excited by the challenge to combine at the top level with Avellino.

"It's just now that I'm starting to get that little buzz. The opportunity to work at this level and to coach with Natalie is very exciting," Southby said.

- NZPA