Netball: De Bruin in for long haul in Magic

The Magic have confirmed the re-signing of Silver Ferns' defender Leana de Bruin for another two years.

De Bruin had a good offer to join the Tactix but decided to stay with the Magic for family reasons. She is also committed to helping the franchise through a rebuilding phase after the resignation of Noelene Taurua as coach and decisions of Laura Langman (Mystics) and Irene van Dyk (Pulse) to play elsewhere.

Their next big target will be retaining Silver Ferns captain Casey Kopua, who has been pursued by the Mystics but is likely to stay in Waikato.

De Bruin rejoined the Magic in 2012 after a stint with the Southern Steel and the 36-year-old will be joined by up-and-coming teenaged talent Brooke Leaver and Samantha Sinclair.

"I was disappointed with the outcome for Magic this year when we finished fourth," De Bruin said. "We didn't reach our full potential and, while there are major changes going on at Magic, I like the challenge of being part of a rebuilding team.

"I appreciated the interest shown by other franchises which demonstrated they valued me as a player.

"However, Magic is a big part of my life and family commitments featured heavily in my decision-making."

With the new coaching staff of Julie Fitzgerald and Margaret Forsyth picking up the reins for next year, the Silver Ferns defender is excited to be part of a new era.

"With key players no longer at the franchise, Magic is now obviously in a rebuilding phase and I've committed to being part of that and that's the reason for the two-year contract," De Bruin said.

Of the two newcomers, shooter, Leaver comes from a strong sporting pedigree, following in the footsteps of her mother, Leonie, a former Silver Ferns shooter and father Brett played hockey for New Zealand.

A member of the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Zone, Leaver leaves with the New Zealand under-21 side tomorrow for the World Youth championships in Scotland.