Forty players from Otago and Southland were invited to trial for the team, which plays in the feeder competition to New Zealand's new elite domestic league. A squad of 16 will be chosen and given a performance programme to follow through to the final trial in February.
In 2016 the side beat Central in a hard-fought final and it is hoping preparing early will help it continue its success.
''We had a really successful first year in the league,'' Netball South performance manager and new Southern Steel coach Reinga Bloxham said.
''But with winning comes pressure which is why we are starting early to ensure we identify the players we need to work with leading into the competition.
''There's a brilliant mix of youth and experience from throughout our whole zone so I'm really excited to see what emerges from the trial. It's a great opportunity for them to just put their hand up to be included.''
Two of the final squad would link with the Southern Steel.
''They will be totally immersed in all of our pre-season and have the chance throughout the competition to link with the team,'' Bloxham said.
''We have a contracted squad of 10 players next season, so these training partners will potentially play a vital role as needed, especially given the demands of the draw with Super Sunday and double-header fixtures.''
It was important the top up-and-coming local players could see there was a way to the top.
''The biggest thing for me is that a clear pathway has now been developed for our players to follow to higher honours.
''It's so important for the future of our sport and provides us with a great platform to support our local talent.''
The success of that pathway was seen in the signing by the Steel of of Jennifer O'Connell, who comes into the top team after a standout year in the development competition.
Of the players chosen, 20 are from Dunedin, while 10 are from Invercargill. Others are scattered among Central Otago, North Otago, Central Southland and Eastern Southland.
Brooke Pope-McCaw, of Christchurch, is the only triallist from outside the region, but she will move south to attend the University of Otago in 2017.
