2026 ANZ Premiership Previews – Round 3

Round 3 of the ANZ Premiership sees early-season momentum begin to take shape, with one unbeaten side, one still searching for its first win, and several evenly matched contenders looking to settle into the competition. 

Key milestones headline the weekend, with GoSweetSpot Mystics shooter Maia Wilson set to reach 150 National League matches, while Avis Magic pair Oceane Maihi and Ali Wilshier bring up 50-match milestones.  

Pulse v Stars 

Saturday 25 April, 4pm 
TSB Arena, Wellington 

Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse return home looking to respond after a narrow loss to the Tactix, while the Stars aim to bounce back following their defeat to the Steel. 

The Pulse have dominated this match-up historically, winning 22 of 28 ANZ Premiership meetings and the past five encounters between the teams. Wellington has also been a stronghold, with the Pulse winning six of seven matches against the Stars at TSB Arena. 

Both teams enter Round 3 with one win and one loss, making this an important early test in the race for ladder positioning. 

Key storylines: 

• Pulse have won seven of the past eight meetings.  

• Both teams won in Round 1 but lost in Round 2.  

• Stars boast the strongest attack (61.5 goals per game) but weakest defence.  

• Pulse claimed a bonus point in their Round 2 loss.  

Magic v Tactix 

Saturday 25 April, 7pm 
Claudelands Arena, Hamilton 

The only unbeaten side in the competition, the VIP Frames & Trusses Tactix, travel to Hamilton to face an Avis Magic side still searching for its first win. 

The Tactix have had the upper hand in recent seasons, winning 13 of the past 15 meetings and the past four clashes at Claudelands Arena. They sit top of the ladder after two rounds and have built a strong run of eight consecutive home wins stretching back to last season. 

The Magic, meanwhile, will be eager to respond after a heavy loss to the Mystics, where they recorded the lowest score of the round. 

Key storylines: 

• Tactix are the only unbeaten team after two rounds.  

• Magic are the only team yet to record a win.  

• Tactix have won 13 of the past 15 meetings.  

• Oceane Maihi (50 ANZ Premiership matches) and Ali Wilshier (50 National League matches) reach milestones.  

• Erena Mikaere set to play her 100th ANZ Premiership match. Mikaere has played a total of 143 matches across ANZ Championship, Super Netball and the ANZ Premiership. 

Mystics v Steel 

Sunday 26 April, 4pm 
Eventfinda Stadium, Auckland 

The GoSweetSpot Mystics return home for the first time this season to face an Ascot Park Hotel Steel side coming off an impressive win. 

This match-up has been evenly balanced historically, with both teams tied at 22 wins apiece across all competitions, although the Steel hold a slight edge in ANZ Premiership meetings. Recent form, however, favours the Mystics, who have won seven of the past eight clashes. 

The Mystics were dominant in Round 2, recording the biggest win of the weekend, while the Steel posted the highest score in their victory over the Stars. 

Key storylines: 

• Maia Wilson set to play her 150th National League match.  

• Mystics recorded the biggest win of Round 2.  

• Steel recorded the highest score of Round 2.  

• Three of the past four meetings decided by four goals or fewer.  

• Mystics have a strong record at Eventfinda Stadium (eight wins from nine).  

Round 3 at a glance 

Saturday: Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse v Stars (Wellington) 
Saturday: Avis Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic v VIP Frames & Trusses Tactix (Hamilton) 
Sunday: GoSweetSpot Mystics v Ascot Park Hotel Steel (Auckland) 
All matches available live and free on TVNZ 2 and TVNZ+