Northern Mystics secure Maria Tutaia for another two seasons

Silver Ferns star Maria Tutaia has committed to the Mystics for the next two seasons, but may be rested for periods of the ANZ Premiership. Photo/PHOTOSPORT.

The Northern Mystics have confirmed Maria Tutaia has committed to the franchise for the next two seasons, but what level of involvement she will have remains unclear.

In a statement released today, the Mystics announced the 107-test Silver Fern had signed a two-year contract which "enables her to be rested if required during the 2018 ANZ Premiership in what will be an incredibly busy season for the country's elite netballers".

The news comes after the Herald revealed earlier this week Tutaia was in negotiations with netball bosses to take time away from the sport next year.

Tutaia's manager David Steele, said the star shooter's workload needed to be carefully managed if she was going to be physically and mentally fresh for the pinnacle events over the next two years.

"What we're working on is getting some flexibility around her playing schedule over the next two seasons," said Steele.

In anticipation of Tutaia's limited involvement next year, the Mystics recruited young Southern Steel shooter Jamie Hume to bolster the shooting stocks.

Tutaia, who first wore the Mystics colours in 2010, remains one of the most feared shooters in the game and her two-year contract with the club shows her desire to play in the ANZ Premiership and push for a Silver Ferns dress for next year's Commonwealth Games and the 2019 Netball World Cup.

"The Sky City Mystics is my home and I'm excited to be a part of it and play netball in New Zealand for the next two years," she said.

"Staying with the Mystics was a no-brainer for me, I have been so impressed with both the coaching and learning environment, I am excited about netball in NZ and where it is going and want to be part of it. I love playing for the Mystics and want to wear that Silver Fern again. The challenge of the ANZ Premiership and possibilities of competing at the Commonwealth Games and World Cup were important to me."

Netball Northern Board chair Dianne McAteer said the two-year contract with Tutaia was an important one on a number of levels.

"She is an iconic face of the Sky City Mystics and we are delighted to have such a world class player in our squad for the next two years," McAteer said. "Maria brings so much experience to the court along with one of the best shooting radar's in the game."

The ANZ Premiership will start in May next year.