KEY POINTS:
Spearheaded by five Silver Ferns, the Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic today named a powerful lineup to contest the inaugural ANZ Championship netball competition starting in April.
The addition of top shooter Maria Tutaia from Auckland has fuelled an already potent mix of established Magic internationals Irene van Dyk,
Laura Langman, Joline Henry and Casey Williams ahead of the semi-professional competition featuring five teams each from New Zealand and Australia..
"I'm extremely excited about joining the Magic," Tutaia said.
"It's been an on-going decision for the past two or three years and now that I've finally made the move I'm really happy to be here.
"It's a new campaign, a new challenge and a new team so I'm looking forward to it."
Tutaia, 20, is looking forward to enhancing her goal attack skills, in particular, under the watchful eye of former Silver Ferns shooter and now Magic coach Noeline Taurua.
Taurua believes the exciting shooter has only revealed glimpses of her depth of talent and is confident of exploiting her full potential.
Mindful of a lack of shooting depth in the past, Taurua has further bolstered her stocks under the hoop with the acquisition of former Force shooter Brigette Tapene.
"Maria's ability to be able to turn and shoot from distance with accuracy is her major point of difference (to other shooters)," Taurua said.
"If you combine that with Irene (van Dyk) under the post, that's a pretty lethal combination.
"Brigette (Tapene) has been around a long time within the National Bank Cup system, so she's got experience there. She's got a cool head, a lot of speed, beautiful movement and a wide range of shooting ability.
"Given the opportunity she can really develop and go places with her netball."
Midcourt veteran Amigene Metcalfe, who played more than 50 games for the Magic during the National Bank Cup, makes a return after missing last year for the birth of her second child.
Former Flames defender Jodi Tod adds solidity to the defence line and her ability to play all three defence positions makes her a valuable asset.
"I believe she's very under-rated and from what I've seen of her so far coming into the mix, she's future New Zealand material," Taurua said.
Defender Nicola Cooney returns from last year while goal attack Halana Leith, wing attack Keisha Grant and goal keep Rachel Beale (goal keep) round out the 12-strong squad.
The Magic open their campaign against the Adelaide Thunderbirds in Rotorua on April 17.
Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic
Rachel Beale, Nicola Cooney, Keisha Grant, Joline Henry, Laura Langman, Halana Leith, Amigene Metcalfe, Brigette Tapene, Jodi Tod, Maria Tutaia, Irene van Dyk, Casey Williams.
- NZPA