Tutaia signs on for further 2 years with SKYCITY Mystics

SKYCITY Mystics goal attack Maria Tutaia has committed to Netball in New Zealand for the next two years after re-signing with the Auckland-based team.

Tutaia, who first wore the Mystics colours in 2010, remains one of the most feared shooters in the game and her two-year contract with the club shows her desire to play in the ANZ Premiership and push for a Silver Ferns dress for next year’s Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018) and the Netball World Cup 2019 in Liverpool.

“Staying with the SKYCITY Mystics was a no-brainer for me, I have been so impressed with both the coaching and learning environment - I am excited about Netball in NZ and where it is going and want to be part of it,” Tutaia said.

“I love playing for the Mystics and want to wear that Silver Fern again. The challenge of the ANZ Premiership and possibilities of competing at the Commonwealth Games and World Cup were important to me.”

The two-year contract enables her to be rested if required during the 2018 ANZ Premiership in what will be an incredibly busy season for the country’s elite netballers where they will compete in GC2018, the ANZ Premiership, Super Club and the Silver Ferns international test season. Her contract also means she will also be eligible to play in what would be her fourth Netball World Cup.

Netball Northern Board chair Dianne McAteer said the two-year contract with Tutaia was an important one on a number of levels.

“She is an iconic face of the SKYCITY Mystics and we are delighted to have such a world class player in our squad for the next two years,” McAteer said. “Maria brings so much experience to the court along with one of the best shooting radar’s in the game.

“Maria has made a commitment to us and with that gives her an opportunity to extend what has been a remarkable international career.”

The 2018 ANZ Premiership will commence in May next year.