Star shooter re-signs with Mystics
Maria Tutaia has re-signed to the Northern Mystics for the next two years and will have a big role at the team, despite the possibility she’ll take a sabbatical.
Mystics coach Helene Wilson has confirmed that the star goal attack has agreed to remain with the team until the end of 2019, but says there hasn’t been any sabbatical set in place for the 30-year-old.
‘‘As far as I’m aware, we have contracted Maria for the next two years at the Mystics,’’ Wilson said.
‘‘As far as we’re concerned, we haven’t organised a sabbatical for her at this point in time, so I’m not prepared to say in the media, that that’s what she’s doing, because that hasn’t been confirmed or organised with us.’’
Earlier this month, the Mystics announced four signings for next year. Tutaia wasn’t one of them but Jamie Hume from the Steel, who plays in the same position as Tutaia, was.
It has been reported Tutaia is looking to reduce her workload and take time away from the game. That would have a big impact on the Mystics, who lost this year’s elimination final to the Pulse.
If the Mystics are to challenge the Steel next year, they’ll need Tutaia on court as much as possible.
‘‘Maria is an incredibly loyal player to the Mystics and she loves playing for the Silver Ferns,’’ Wilson said. ‘‘She still wants to play netball and represent the Mystics and the Silver Ferns, from the conversations I’ve had with her.’’
Retaining Tutaia is not only a win for the Mystics, but also for netball in New Zealand.
With Kiwis Laura Langman, Leana de Bruin and Cathrine Tuivaiti all confirmed to play in the Australian league next season, plus Jamaica’s Jhaniele Fowler-Reid quitting the Steel to join the West Coast Fever, the ANZ Premiership has increasingly looked like a poor cousin to the Australian competition.