Netball will be showcased on Sky in 2025, following confirmation today that Netball New Zealand and Sky have agreed a one-year extension to their existing broadcasting partnership.
In the first of the Northern Challenge clashes of 2024, the MG Mystics returned to the winners’ circle with a 56-51 victory over the Stars in Takanini.
Take a look at the three match-ups coming in Round 5 of the 2024 ANZ Premiership.
Scenes of euphoria erupted when the Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel broke an unwanted record, notching their first win in nearly two years with a thrilling 63-61 extra time win over the Stars in Invercargill on Saturday.
Based in South Auckland, the Stars became the newest elite level netball team in 2017, representing the south and east of Auckland. With the end of the trans-Tasman ANZ Championship in 2016, the Stars joined the five other established New Zealand franchises to form the six-strong standalone ANZ Premiership.
Former Melbourne Vixens head coach Julie Hoornweg became the Stars inaugural coach and Leana de Bruin their first captain.
The Stars are based out of Bruce Pulman Park Papakura with Pulman Arena being their main home venue.
Despite their short history, the Stars have quickly evolved into a quality team and have featured in three Grand Finals (2019, 2022 and 2023), finishing runners-up on each occasion. They have also built a strong and connected support base in south Auckland, representing one of New Zealand’s largest communities.
The Stars were named after the Matariki star cluster which also features on the team’s logo, and incorporates their club colours of purple and silver.