de Bruin to captain Northern Stars

Experienced defender Leana de Bruin has been named the inaugural captain of the Northern Stars for the ANZ Premiership.

Joining de Bruin as vice-captain is midcourter Courtney Tairi.

de Bruin says she is relishing the chance to lend her experience, tactical nous and professional attitude to the Stars, and is excited by the young talent in the team.

“It’s great to see how they take on board what you tell them,” de Bruin said of her team-mates.

“I’m looking forward to seeing how they continue to grow.”

de Bruin is eager to see how it all comes together on court when the Stars join the five other ANZ Premiership teams for the pre-season tournament at Te Wānanga o Raukawa in Otaki, March 10-12.

“We haven’t played together at all, so I have no idea what to expect, but every week we’ve become fitter, more agile and used to the way Julie trains,"" she said.

“She’s really open and honest, and there are no shortcuts - it’s a bit of old-school.”

The Northern Stars will open their ANZ Premiership campaign against the Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel on Sunday 26 March as part of a blockbuster Super Sunday at Hamilton’s Claudelands Arena.