Canterbury, of course.
Former Steel coach Robyn Broughton did not see much room in her squad for the Otago Rebels and Otago players back then.
She remained fiercely loyal to her Sting players and consequently the new combined Otago-Southland side felt very much like the Sting by another name.
Wind the clock forward five years and the dynamic has changed. Otago players now dominate the Steel, after another three were named in the squad yesterday.
Shooter Kate Shearer and midcourters Gina Crampton and Stacey Peeters, who all featured in last month's national championship-winning Otago team, will join fellow Otago players Jodi Brown, Te Paea Selby-Rickit, Shannon Francois and Storm Purvis in the squad.
Phillipa Finch, who was of those Otago players who had to move to Christchurch for playing opportunities in 2008, has also been confirmed in the team alongside New Zealand under-21 defender Phoenix Karaka, of Auckland.
If you count Finch, Otago provides eight of the 12 players confirmed for 2013. In 2008, only Deb White, Jessica Tuki and Katrina Grant could make the squad.
There are still two spots available in the Steel squad for 2013.
The franchise is expected to name an experienced shooter next week and is also looking for a defender to bolster what is a talented but inexperienced back court.
"We are in the final stages of negotiating with a player we believe will bring considerable international experience and flair to our team," Steel chief executive David Bannister said.
That news could be revealed as early as Monday but, in the meantime, coach Janine Southby was excited by the latest Otago trio to join the squad.
"It's exciting to know our locally-based players can see a clearly identified pathway from representative teams into the high performance environment of the Steel," she said.
"Our intention is to really develop local players where possible. We need to provide them with opportunities to learn and grow in the elite environment so they are aware of the step up that's required at ANZ Championship level.
"Recruiting is really tough and we have to be proactive in growing our own depth."
Shearer shared court time with Olivia Bates but the speedy goal attack never failed to make an impact for Otago when she got her opportunities and forged a solid combination with Selby-Rickit.
Peeters missed the early part of the season for Otago but helped stiffen the defence with some impressive work at wing defence, and centre Gina Crampton is highly regarded.
She saw court time for the Steel towards the end of the 2012 season and trialled for the Silver Ferns but missed selection.
Finch was called into the Steel squad last year as a replacement for Wendy Frew and is back for another year. She brings a wealth of experience and a steadying influence.
Karaka is at the other end of the spectrum. The 17-year-old impressed during the national championships with her athleticism. She can play at both ends but predominantly has been selected as a defender.
"She is a powerful player," Southby said.
"She's strong in the air and very athletic."
Southern Steel
2013 squad
• Jodi Brown, Te Paea Selby-Rickit, Kate Shearer, Courtney Tairi, Wendy Frew, Shannon Francois, Phillipa Finch, Gina Crampton, Stacey Peeters, Storm Purvis, Sulu Tone-Fitzpatrick, Phoenix Karaka.
