2026 ANZ Premiership Previews – Round 2

Round 2 of the 2026 ANZ Premiership is set to deliver a compelling weekend of elite domestic netball, with historic rivalries, milestone moments and early-season momentum on the line.

With teams beginning to settle into new combinations, we’re expecting another weekend of hotly contested matches.

Steel v Stars

Saturday 18 April, ILT Stadium Southland, Invercargill, 4pm

The Ascot Park Hotel Steel return home to Invercargill looking to rebound from their opening-round defeat, while Stars Netball arrive with confidence after a thrilling win over the Mystics.

The teams have developed one of the competition’s closest rivalries, with the Stars narrowly leading the ANZ Premiership head-to-head 14–13. Invercargill has proven a stronghold for the Steel, who have won six of their nine meetings there.

The Steel will contest their 49th ANZ Premiership match in Invercargill, boasting a record of 28 wins and 20 losses at the venue.

Key points:

• The Stars are coming off a 63–59 win over the Mystics
• The Steel are seeking their first win after a 55–42 loss to the Tactix
• Claire O’Brien is set to play her 50th ANZ Premiership match
• Aimee Landrigan and Abbie Ledger made their ANZ Premiership debuts in Round 1
• Jess Milne debuted for the Steel last week

Magic v Mystics

Saturday 18 April, Mercury Baypark Arena, Tauranga, 7pm

The Hobbiton Cup takes centre stage as the Avis Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic host the GoSweetSpot Northern Mystics in Tauranga for the first time.

The Mystics hold a strong ANZ Premiership record against the Magic, winning 17 of their 25 encounters, including seven of the past eight meetings. However, the Magic have historically performed well at Mercury Baypark Arena, winning eight of their 12 matches at the venue.

Both teams are chasing their first win of the season.

Key points:

• The Hobbiton Cup will be contested in Tauranga for the first time
• The Mystics have won the past four editions of the Cup
• Sarah Guiney, Brooklyn Murray and Losa Fifita made their Magic debuts in Round 1
• Maia Wilson and Anne Kirikiri debuted for the Mystics
• Phoenix Karaka celebrated her 150th National League match last week

Tactix v Central Pulse

Sunday 19 April, Wolfbrook Arena, Christchurch, 4pm

A high-calibre clash awaits in Christchurch as the reigning champion VIP Frames & Trusses Mainland Tactix host Te Wānanga o Raukawa Central Pulse.

The Tactix defeated the Pulse in the 2025 Elimination Final on their way to securing a maiden National League title and will be eager to continue their strong home form.

The Pulse also impressed in their opening match, defeating the Magic in Wellington.

Key points:

• The Pulse lead the ANZ Premiership head-to-head 18–10
• The Tactix have won their past three matches at Wolfbrook Arena against the Pulse
• The result has alternated between the teams across their last 10 encounters
• The Tactix won all four quarters in Round 1
• Both sides introduced multiple debutants in their season openers

Round 2 at a glance

• Saturday: Ascot Park Hotel Steel v Stars (Invercargill)
• Saturday: Avis Magic v GoSweetSpot Mystics (Tauranga)
• Sunday: VIP Frames & Trusses Tactix v Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse (Christchurch)

All matches available live and free on TVNZ 2 and TVNZ+