The New Zealand Men’s netball team will be out to stamp its mark in the opening Test of the Trans-Tasman Cup when they meet the Australian Kelpies in Wellington.
The two netball rivals go head-to-head and will provide a netball double-header, taking to the court ahead of the Constellation Cup Tests between the Silver Ferns and Australian Diamonds, starting this Sunday at TSB Bank Arena.
However, it will be a big ask for the New Zealand Men’s netball team, known as the NET BLACKS, after suffering a 3-0 series loss to the Kelpies last year. They will be coached for the first time by Head coach Helene Wilson, who said the team had been preparing well for what will be a tough four-Test series.
“We know that the Kelpies bring a really challenging style, but we have been working hard behind the scenes, and we need to make the most of our home court advantage in the first two Tests,” Wilson said.
“We’re really looking forward to stepping out on court for our country against some of the best men’s netballers in the world and truly testing our skills.”
The NET BLACKS will also be buoyed by the return of midcourter Kruze Tangira, who took a break from the international game and now returns to lead the national side during the series.
“Having a player like Kruze back in our midcourt will just add that level of experience which is vital at international level, and he is a key link between our defence and attacking units,” Wilson added.
The Kelpies are again coached by Nerida Stewart, while Giants head coach Julie Fitzgerald has taken on an assistant role with the men’s team for the first time. Prolific goal scorers Brodie Roberts and Jerome Gillbard will again be a constant threat for the NET BLACKS after dominating in last year’s Trans-Tasman Cup. Net Blacks Head coach Helene Wilson took the Mystics to win the 2021 ANZP Premiership Grand Final.
The two matches in New Zealand will be broadcast live on Sky Sport, while the third match in Canberra will be live-streamed.
Trans-Tasman Cup:,
- Game 1 – 20 October, TSB Bank Arena in Wellington
- Game 2 – 23 October, Spark Arena in Auckland
- Game 3 – 26 October, AIS Netball Centre in Canberra
- Game 4 – 30 October, John Cain Arena in Melbourne
New Zealand Men’s team (Net Blacks):
- Tanekohurangi Apaapa
- Timothy Apisai
- Dylan Bartels
- Elliot Clark
- Liam Dalton
- Oceon Grady
- Te Matahiapo (Safari) Hynes
- Thomson Matuku
- Mikaira Raerino
- Kruze Tangira (captain)
- Joseph Tukaki
- Eriata Vercoe
Helene Wilson (coach)