Captain’s future unclear at Tactix
The Mainland Tactix have signed three further names, but foundation player and captain Anna Thompson’s future remains unclear.
After losing Silver Ferns shooter Bailey Mes to the Northern Mystics, the Tactix softened the blow slightly by adding two fresh faces.
They have snapped up out of favour Mystics’ defender Temalisi Fakahokotau and Steel shooter Brooke Leaver, who is a direct replacement for Mes.
Experienced midcourter Hayley Saunders will also return for her fourth season with the Tactix, taking their contracted players for 2017 to eight.
Former Silver Fern Thompson, who has been with the Tactix since 2008 and played in a franchiserecord 116 games, has not yet been confirmed, raising questions about whether she will be back.
If the Tactix were going to keep the wing attack-centre, you would expect she would have been one of the first announced.
With four midcourters already signed and eight out of 10 roster spots filled, it seems doubtful Thompson will return.
Netball Mainland chief executive Brigit Hearn said they had not ruled out keeping Thompson.
‘‘She is an outstanding athlete and person and we’re still working through with her next season.’’
Hearn was optimistic of retaining Malawi international Mwai Kumwenda, who has received multiple offers from Australia and been linked to the Melbourne Vixens.
Thompson could not be reached for comment, but in a text last week said she was still deciding on her plans.
Hearn said the chance for greater playing time was attractive for both Leaver, 22, and Fakahokotau, 21.
Fakahokotau burst onto the scene playing two tests for the Silver Ferns in 2014.
‘‘They’re really looking for that opportunity to get court-time. They’re craving the court-time and a fresh start.’’
In a talented Mystics’ defensive end, Fakahokotau had to fight it out for minutes with Silver Ferns Anna Harrison, Kayla Cullen and youngsters Holly Fowler, Michaela Sokolich-Beatson and Sulu Fitzpatrick.