Northern Stars retain young trio for 2018

The Northern Stars have confirmed three more players on their roster for the 2018 ANZ Premiership.

Young Silver Fern Maia Wilson is back for 2018 along with mid-courter Fa’amu Ioane and defender Holly Fowler who returns to the Auckland-based side after recovering from injury.

Stars coach Kiri Wills said it was fantastic to build on Grace Rasmussen’s signing and with these three young guns back on board there are exciting times ahead for next year.

“I’m delighted to see the squad start to take shape with Maia, Holly and Fa’amu joining Grace on court for the Stars,” Wills said.

After having played an integral part in the NZU21s squad at the Netball World Youth Cup 2017 (NWYC2017) in Botswana, goal shoot Maia Wilson will return to the Northern Stars next year.

“Her presence and composure will be vital to our performance. She has shown real growth in her play and what can she bring in 2018 is going to be really exciting,” said Wills.

Ioane was also a member of the NZU21s team which won gold at NWYC2017 last month.

“Fa’amu Ioane made such an impact for the Stars in the second half of the ANZ Premiership and carried that through to the Netball World Youth Cup where she was an integral part of the squad.”

Holly Fowler has been itching to be a part of the premiership after missing this year because of an ACL injury.

“She has worked incredibly hard on recovering from her knee injury and will be a player to watch out for next season,” Wills said.

The ANZ Premiership enjoyed its debut season this year and returns in May, 2018.