After a training match against the Silver Ferns last week, it now faces the defending Australian domestic league champion Sunshine Coast Lightning.
The Steel is also coming off a title-winning 2017 season, although it is a new-look team this season.
There is plenty of youth in its squad and, for many of the players, it is their first taste of netball at that level.
''I think the good thing for us is having that game against the Silver Ferns last week,'' coach Reinga Bloxham said. ''There were times when the ball was moving through the court really quickly and for [the younger players], a lot of them haven't played netball at that speed.
''So we know the Sunshine Coast Lightning are a quality side and they've predominantly got the same team they had last year.
''So again they're going to have a good foundation of players that know how each other play, so I'd imagine their play will be quite quick as well.
''It will be quite new for some of our younger players.
''But that's the beauty of the challenge is to get out there and get amongst it and see how you can counter some of those things.''
The team had been working hard and was excited to be hosting the Lightning.
Having travelled to the Sunshine Coast in last year's pre-season, Bloxham said it was good to maintain the relationship between the franchises.
She is enjoying catching up with Noeline Taurua, who had been the head coach at the Steel when Bloxham was the assistant coach in 2016.
The Steel would likely be at full strength tonight, although Wendy Frew was likely to be a game-time decision.
She was looking ''pretty good'' after rehabilitating from and achilles injury and would warm up. While Bloxham hoped to see her on the court, she would not make any promises.
Silver Ferns Te Paea Selby-Rickit and Shannon Francois would play limited minutes in Dunedin, but were unlikely to feature tomorrow in Invercargill.
Training partner Kate Heffernan was unavailable for both games as she is away with the White Ferns cricket team.
