Former Silver Ferns captain Casey Kopua will return to top-level netball next season after re-signing with the Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic.
Kopua served as technical adviser at the Magic this season after pregnancy ruled her out of a playing role.
Her return to the court is major boost to the franchise, who look set to lose a good chunk of their starting seven from this year to other franchises following the departure of coach Julie Fitzgerald to the Australian league next season.
Kopua joins Silver Fern midcourter Grace Rasmussen, and New Zealand A players Sam Sinclair, Kelly Jury and Monica Falkner as the Magic's first batch of signings for the 2017 ANZ Netball Elite League.
Magic coach Margaret Forsyth, who has stepped into the role vacated by Fitzgerald, said she is delighted to have two influential international players back in the ranks.
"Casey is one of world netball's most experienced internationals and Grace is one of New Zealand's more influential players and they will be the soul of the team," she said.
"They are both excellent with the younger players and great role models for netballers in our region."
Forsyth was also excited about the return of Sinclair and Jury, both whom have Hillary Scholarships and are studying at Waikato University.
"Sam and Kelly are young players who show so much potential, as shown by their inclusion in the NZA team and we are delighted that they are keen to continue their careers with the Magic."
Of the Magic's first batch of signings, Falkner is the only newcomer to the team.
Born in Opotiki and schooled in Whakatane (Trident High School), Falkner has recently returned from Canberra where she played for the NZ U21 team at the 20/U International Tournament. She is also studying at Waikato University.
"I am looking forward to working with Monica as she has real potential. It is the role of the Magic to nurture and develop that talent in a way that is best for Monica."
With shooting stocks thin on the ground in New Zealand, Falkner could yet land a starting role with the Magic next year.
It is expected English import Jo Harten will follow Fitzgerald to the new Sydney franchise next season, while a question mark remains over whether fellow shooter Malia Paseka, who is expecting her first child later this year, will return.
Defender Kristiana Manu'a, who is set to make her debut for the Australian Diamonds in this month's Quad Series, former Ferns midcourter Courtney Tairi and youngster Jamie-Lee Price have also been linked with the new Sydney franchise.
There is also doubt over whether veteran defender Leana de Bruin will return to the franchise next season after announcing her international retirement last week.
- Dana Johannsen
