Netball: Players excited to re-sign with Steel

Veteran midcourter Wendy Frew and rising defenders Storm Purvis and Phoenix Karaka have re-signed with the Southern Steel for next season.

The trio played a key role in the Steel's winning streak in the latter half of this season and will provide important continuity as they join Jamaican shooting sensation Jhaniele Fowler-Reid on the roster.

Frew will embark on her 13th season representing a southern franchise after initially joining the Southern Sting in 2002.

''Every year you pull on that dress, you get even more motivated and excited to represent your home town and your family on the international sporting stage,'' Frew said.

''I love playing down here with such a great bunch of girls and for a franchise that is so supportive and professional.''

Frew said it was also rewarding to witness the emergence of players such as Purvis and Karaka.

''Both Phoenix and Storm are fantastic talents for the future. They had some big games this year against quality opposition and it was great to see the impact they had,'' Frew said.

''Mentoring those coming through the ranks is a legacy all senior players have the opportunity to leave behind. It's something I get a lot of satisfaction from.''

Dunedin-based Purvis said committing to her fourth season with the southern franchise was ''a no-brainer''.

''I love life down here, I love the team and I enjoyed the opportunities I got on the court this season,'' she said.

The prospect of developing her combination with Karaka was also a drawcard.

''I do really enjoy playing with Phoenix and I feel we can continue to grow our combination. Defensive partnerships take time to evolve but there is so much potential there and that's something I am really excited about.''

Karaka echoed the comments of her circle partner.

''You need to trust the other person will back you up and I think we have developed that connection,'' Karaka said.

''It's those connections outside the circle as well.

''Wendy has really good leadership skills and it's easy to follow her and trust she knows what we need to be doing, given her experience.''

Karaka, who earned her first international cap on the Silver Ferns' tour to the UK in January, has relished the past two years based in the South.

''The team culture is really good and Invercargill is so family-oriented and that's the kind of person I am, so it just feels like home,'' she said.

Steel chief executive Sue Clarke said retaining the trio was integral to the future of the franchise.

''We are delighted they have remained loyal to the Steel because each is a very important piece of the overall puzzle we are putting together.''

Clarke said player contracting was progressing well. The Steel's initial focus was on retaining the core of its squad, which finished a creditable fifth this season.

The franchise was also keen to look at recruiting some additional talent, especially in the midcourt following the departure of Phillipa Finch.