MAINLAND TACTIX
2025: Champions
The Tactix won their inaugural title last year. But they are a different team with captain Erikana Pedersen and midcourter Holly Mather the only returnees from the 2025 starting side. Karin Burger, Jane Watson, Te Paea Selby-Rickit (Australia), Ellie Bird (retired) and Paris Lokotui (rugby) have gone. Pulse shooter Amorangi Malesala, midcourter Fa’amu Muliaga (nee Ioane) and defender Laura Balmer join, and Hannah Glenn returns from the Mystics. Former Firebirds defender Ash Barnett joins fellow Australian Charlie Bell, who played for the Stars in 2025, and New Zealand under-21 player Josie Seymour, daughter of former Silver Fern Julie Seymour, earns her first full contract.
NORTHERN MYSTICS
2025: Runners-up
The Mystics are arguably favourites to lift the trophy after retaining nearly their entire squad. Donnell Wallam has returned to Australia but Maia Wilson moves across town after nine seasons with the Stars. Sophia Lafaiali’i earns her first full contract after impressing as a replacement last year. Experienced defender Phoenix Karaka returns after the birth of her second child and will team with Catherine Hall, who had a breakout 2025 season.
CENTRAL PULSE
2025: Beaten
elimination finalists
Known for their stability, the Pulse have had one of the biggest shake-ups with Parris Mason the only returning starting player. Whitney Souness, Maddy Gordon, Kelly Jackson (Australia), Amelia Walmsley (Stars) and Tiana Metuarau (England) are the big losses. Ameliaranne Ekenasio returns after her time with the Magic and forms a strong shooting circle with former South African international Ine-Mari Venter. Former Swifts midcourter Lili Gorman-Brown, Firebirds academy defender Holly Comyns and Australia midcourter Emma Thompson round out the internationals.
SOUTHERN STEEL
2025: Fourth
The Steel have retained seven players from last season as they hunt a playoff spot. New players include Khanye-Lii Munro-Nonoa after being a replacement last year and Ashleigh Poi — sister of captain Kimiora — after toiling away with Mainland in the National Netball League. Australians Jess Milne and Josie Bingham add new flavour. Silver Ferns midcourter Kate Heffernan, who is playing for the Adelaide Thunderbirds, is the big loss.
WAIKATO-BOP MAGIC
2025: Fifth
The Magic managed just two wins in 2025 and will be looking to push their case further. Veteran defender Erena Mikaere and midcourter Georgie Edgecombe will co-captain the side, while Saviour Tui anchors the shooting circle. Tui is joined by New Zealand under-21 shooters Sarah Guiney and Kate Taylor, and under-21 defender Losa Fifita earns her first contract. Midcourter Ariana Cable-Dixon, after having two children, earns her first contract since 2020.
NORTHERN STARS
2025: Sixth
The Stars had a horror run of injuries in 2025. Greer Sinclair, who attracted plenty of hype before tearing her ACL in round one, bolsters the midcourt, which will be led by captain and Silver Fern Mila Reuelu-Buchanan. Silver Ferns shooters Walmsley (Pulse) and Martina Salmon (Tactix) and midcourter Claire O’Brien (Magic) will don the purple. Australian defender Aimee Landrigan joins Kate Burley and rising Lili Tokaduadua in the defensive circle.
