Beko League squad spearheaded by Heffernan twins, Fifita

Netball South has named its squad to contest the 2018 Beko League.

Acting as the ANZ Premiership's feeder competition, the Beko League features much of the country's most promising netball talent.

The side is spearheaded by the Southern Steel's three training partners in twins Georgia and Kate Heffernan, and Taneisha Fifita.

That provides quality in all three areas of the court, while midcourter Sophie Erwood will also be key in bringing Steel experience.

Columba College's Meg Sycamore also features in the midcourt, as does Diahn Te Pania-Strickland.

Other shooters include the Markham College duo of Isabella Masani and Kiana Pelasio, as well as Jess Allan who has moved south from Christchurch.

Defending the goal alongside Fifita will be Jessica Dermody, Lauren Pickett and Tarryn Dickson.

Kendall McMinn, Katherine Morris, Poppy Restieaux and Tyra Dunn were named in the extended squad as training partners.

Fifita, Sycamore and Dunn are subject to an exemption from Netball New Zealand, because they are secondary school pupils.

The 10-round season begins on May 13, concluding with the grand final on July 29.

Last year's coach, Georgie Salter, will be joined by Donna Wilkins this year and the energy in group bodes for an exciting season.

``They're young, enthusiastic and excited,'' Salter said.

``The heart was there and the big job for us now is to weld them into a team.

``They've got a lot of toughening up to do but that's what needs to happen when you make the step up to this level.

``I was excited to see some vision amongst this group.

``The vision is something you can't really coach so if they naturally have it there's great potential.''

Add a Comment