The ANZ Premiership is New Zealand’s premier professional netball competition, featuring six teams all packed with Silver Ferns players, emerging domestic talent and selective international imports. Played from May through August, the ANZ Premiership remains an important pathway to the international stage.
2025 Recap: A Historic Title
The 2025 ANZ Premiership season culminated in a maiden championship for the Mainland Tactix, following years of consistency and development. Along the way, the competition solidified its reputation for close contests, attacking innovation (including strategic uses of two-point shots) and a reshuffling of elite talent between ANZ Premiership and Suncorp Super Netball.
Embed from Getty ImagesTeam-by-Team Outlook Heading into 2026
Here’s how each SSN team shapes up for the 2026 season, based on the latest confirmed squad lists at the time of publishing.
Central Pulse
2026 Squad: Holly Comyns, Ameliaranne Ekenasio, Lili Gorman-Brown, Parris Mason, Erana Ngarimu, Ainsleyana Puleiata, Madi Thomas, Emma Thompson, Ine-Mari Venter, Khiarna Williams
Coach: Anna Andrews-Tascola
Assistant Coach: Liana Leota
Pulse have entered a transition period following several departures to SSN and other clubs, but the mix of international experience from Ameliaranne Ekenasio and promising local talent like Holly Comyns and Madi Thomas gives them an intriguing blend.
Mainland Tactix
2026 Squad: Laura Balmer, Ash Barnett, Charlie Bell, Hannah Glen, Fa’amu Ioane, Holly Mather, Amorangi Malesala, Erikana Pedersen, Parris Petera, Josie Seymour
Coach: Donna Wilkins
As defending champions, the Tactix face the challenge of maintaining excellence amid turnover. New faces like Laura Balmer, Ash Barnett (import player) and Charlie Bell add new dynamics and pace, while retained campaigners like Holly Mather and Parris Petera lend continuity. Depth and adaptability will determine whether they can replicate their title form after a maiden victory.
Northern Mystics
2026 Squad: Tayla Earle, Catherine Hall, Phoenix Karaka, Sophia Lafaiali’i, Charlotte Manley, Katie Te Ao, Peta Toeava, Michaela Sokolich-Beatson, Filda Vui, Maia Wilson
Coach: Tia Winakerei
Assistant Coach: Rob Wright
The Mystics have one of the most balanced lists in the competition, blending experienced leadership with athletic versatility. Maia Wilson’s arrival from Stars adds elite goal shooting, while Phoenix Karaka returns from maternity leave to fortify a defensive circle that already boasts height and coverage. Both players will bring a wealth of knowledge and dynamic gameplay to their respective circles.
Stars Netball
2026 Squad: Kate Burley, Aimee Landrigan, Crystal Maro, Samon Nathan, Claire O’Brien, Mila Reuelu-Buchanan, Martina Salmon, Greer Sinclair, Lili Tokaduadua, Amelia Walmsley
Coach: Temepara Bailey
Stars have embraced a rebuild with attacking intent. The addition of dynamic feeders and shooters like Amelia Walmsley and Martina Salmon gives coach Temepara Bailey options in shaping attacking patterns with players who already know the ANZ format. Mila Reuelu-Buchanan remains the midcourt engine and leadership heart of the side, while the addition of Aimee Landrigan and Claire O’Brien provides depth. Consistency and combinations will determine how high Stars can climb.
Southern Steel
Jess Milne, Khanye’-Lii Munro-Nonoa, Ashleigh Poi, Kimiora Poi, Renee Savai’inaea, Carys Stythe
Coach: Wendy Frew
Assistant Coach: Jess Whitford
Steel have secured a cohesive and experienced list, with key midcourt and defensive contributors such as Kimiora Poi and Carys Stythe anchoring the side. Aliyah Dunn brings athletic scoring threats, while young athletes like Khanye’-Lii Munro-Nonoa offer energy and versatility.
Waikato/BOP Magic
2026 Squad: Ariana Cable-Dixon, Georgie Edgecombe, Losa Fifita, Sarah Guiney, Kaiya Kepa, Oceane Maihi, Erena Mikaere, Kate Taylor, Saviour Tui, Ali Wilshier
Coach: Mary-Jane Araroa
Assistant Coach: Rebecca Gabel
Magic have retained the core of their 2025 squad, underlining confidence in the group, and their roster reflects a blend of experience and youth development. Veterans like Erena Mikaere and Oceane Maihi provide a strong backbone. New Zealand Under 21 representatives, Losa Fifita and Sarah Guiney, showcase the confidence that Magic hold in nurturing young talent.
Season Details
The 2026 ANZ Premiership is set to be one of the most compelling yet, featuring talent redistribution, pathway talent stepping up, and coaches balancing experience with youthful enthusiasm. With each franchise boasting strategic options in attack, midcourt and defence, anticipation is high for a fast, tactical and fiercely contested season. The season kicks off in May 2026, with 10 rounds, followed by finals to crown the champion.
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