Southern Steel’s class of 2022 came together for the first time yesterday to officially start preparation for the new season and were immediately put through their paces with fitness testing and training.

Head coach Reinga Bloxham was suitably impressed from the outset. 

“They are all looking great. They’re keen and eager and the excitement level is high which really reinforces we have the right group of players for the task ahead,” she said.

“They know they have to come in fit and be prepared for a hard grind right from the start. There are no easy days – we’re straight into it and hitting the ground running.

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“This is such a crucial time in terms of our overall season. Now is when we establish our foundations and they must be strong so we can continue to build up from here.”

While shooter George Fisher remains in the UK on international duties with the England Roses, Bloxham has all other players available, including attackers Saviour Tui and Georgia Heffernan, midcourters Shannon Saunders, Kate Heffernan, Ali Wilshier and Renee Savai’inaea and defenders Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickit, Sarahpheinna Woulf and Kate Burley.

Steel’s trio of training partners - shooter Kiana Pelasio, midcourter Ivari Christie and defender Losa Fifita – are working with the squad. 

“It’s been great to see all of their faces again and some new faces coming into our environment,” Bloxham said.

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“Having new recruits does keep you on your toes and brings an element of surprise and a fresh new energy. We’ve got a strong core group of players and now we’ve added a couple that will change the dynamic and it’s really exciting to see that progress.”

Fisher is expected to join her teammates at the end of January.

“I know that we’re going to be working really hard but I have no doubt George will be working just as hard on the other side of the world,” Bloxham said.

The Steel kicks off its 2022 campaign against the Trident Homes Tactix on 13 March before two home games against the Northern Mystics in Invercargill on 21 March and the Northern Stars in Dunedin on 27 March.

For the first time in the franchise’s 15-year history, a championship game will be staged in Queenstown against the Mystics on 17 April. Other home games include the Tactix on 1 May in Invercargill and the Pulse on 9 May in Dunedin. A double header against the Pulse and Magic on 21 and 22 May respectively is followed by the Stars on 29 May.