The side has named seven new faces in its 13-player squad for the National Basketball League’s women’s competition, being dubbed 18 in 18 this year.
Plenty of experience is gone from last year in the losses of Natalie Visger, Natalie Ivamy (nee Smith), Soraya Umaga-Jensen, Brittany Richards and sisters Aleisha and Nicole Ruske.
Lisa Wallbutton will go a long way to help replacing some of that.
The forward played more than 100 games for the Tall Ferns and has returned to the court this year after three years off.
Savanna Handevidt, an American who attended Minnesota State University and now lives in Queenstown, and Fay Fualau also add fresh blood to the big spots.
That trio is joined by Tall Fern Zoe Richards, who is back after starring for the team on her return from college last year.
Swingman Bronwyn Kjestrup also brings plenty of experience, having been a key player for the side in recent years.
Former New Zealand age-grade player Te Araroa Sopoaga is a quality addition to the guard line-up.
Tara Clement also gives a strong shooting threat, joining the side after three seasons with the Taranaki Thunder.
Kelly Thompson, who played three games for the team in 2018, and Millie Simpson both also add exceptional perimeter defence.
They join returning backcourt quartet Olivia O’Neill, Hannah Matehaere, Hayley Gray and Georgia Te Au.
The Gold Rush begins its campaign on Monday against the Harbour Breeze and will back up against the Waikato Wizards the following night.
The revamped Covid-19 league begins on Thursday and features six teams, all playing each other once before semifinals and the final.
All 18 games will be played in Auckland over 18 days.
