The Southern Steel is hopeful of holding next month’s home pre-season matches.
The team is scheduled to play the Mainland Tactix in Queenstown on February 14, before travelling to Dunedin to host the Central Pulse three days later.
Steel chief executive Lana Winders said the franchise had been working through the Covid-19 Red light setting’s requirements. Crowds would be limited to 100 people and ticket sales had been put on hold, as they were selling fast.
It does add new challenges from a logistical perspective, but we are confident we can successfully host these important pre-season games safely within the guidelines set, Winders said.
We will be reviewing this as the landscape continues to change. Our venues have been fantastic to work with and everyone is focused on doing what we can to make it happen.
For Steel head coach Reinga Bloxham, both outings were a vital component of the team’s preparation for the ANZ Premiership, which starts in March.
Regardless of the intensity we inject into our training, there really is no substitute for actual game time, Bloxham said.
Only then can you really get a true gauge on the progress being made as a result of all the hard work which has gone in so far.
I’m really looking at what each player brings to our team and how they can contribute to our overall Steel style. Combinations and connections are always key aspects.
