Promising signs for next year

OPINION: The 2016 season has just ended but Southern Steel fans ought to be excited about 2017.

They have pulled off a major coup in getting Jhaniele FowlerReid’s signature for next season something which is easier said than done.

Many thought retaining the Jamaican star’s services could be a bridge too far as the Australian clubs circle the world’s best netball talent.

But that has proved to be incorrect.

Added to this it seems many of the other New Zealand franchise’s overseas imports are likely to jump ship and play in Australia next year which will have them on the hunt to fill the gaps.

While they do that the Steel can sit back comfortably knowing they have one of the best in the world locked in.

While most of New Zealand’s own talent are likely stick with the New Zealand league next year because of the lure of the Silver Ferns dress, don’t expect that to extend to everyone.

Players who have been there done that with the Silver Ferns may well be enticed to head to the Australia league next year - or in Laura Langman’s case stay in Australia.

Everything points to Maria Tutaia being one of those.

The fact her rugby playing boyfriend Israel Folau is based in Sydney could be telling.

Where the Steel looks relatively well situated is the bulk of the squad are fringe Silver Ferns players.

Players who have had a taste of the Silver Ferns environment but still have plenty to prove at international level.

It is hard to think those players will turn their back on the Silver Ferns.

It would also be strange for them to jump off the Steel bandwagon and head to another New Zealand team given what they delivered this year.