Shooter Irene van Dyk and defender Joline Henry were today named co-captains of the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic netball team for the trans-Tasman competition starting next week.
Laura Langman and Casey Williams, Silver Ferns co-captains for last year's series against Australia, former Central Pulse and Samoa captain Frances Solia and
Waikato captain Nicola Pettit were all in the mix, making the leadership role a tough choice for coach Noeline Taurua.
In the end, Taurua could not look past veteran shooter van Dyk, 36, coming into her seventh season with the Magic and hard-nosed defender Henry, 26, who has been with the franchise for nine years.
"It was a protracted process," Taurua said of her final decision.
"The main reason is that Irene and Joline complement each other very well and their dealings with players, both on and off the court, has been outstanding."
Runners-up in the inaugural year of the trans-Tasman competition, Taurua admits off-season acquisitions in Solia, Silver Ferns squad member Leana de Bruin and the highly-regarded Jess Tuki has given the Magic a more formidable look for the 2009 edition.
"This year we are looking better than last year, not only physically but also mentally," she said.
"Having more options off the bench, of players who can actually take the court and make an impact is a definite asset this year."
The 16-week ANZ Championship gets begins on Saturday next week.
- NZPA
