Tactix name new leadership group

The Mainland Tactix will herald in Netball’s new era with a change in their leadership group, to be led by Jess Moulds.

The defender has been named captain of the Tactix for the 2017 ANZ Premiership – New Zealand’s new elite Netball league, which gets underway on March 26.

Anna Thompson and Hayley Saunders round out the leadership group, both named as vice-captains. The duo will play key on-court leadership roles until Moulds returns from injury.

Moulds ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee when captaining NZA in a practice match against England last year and is expected to miss the early stages of the new league.

But her presence within the squad and leadership qualities – which have seen her become a highly respected Tactix member since moving south from Auckland in 2014 – will be vital off court as the Mainland Tactix look to make a statement in the ANZ Premiership.

Tactix coach Sue Hawkins said she is looking forward to the new league.

“I am excited and looking for all players in 2017 to step up in their roles on and off the court,” Hawkins said.“Accountability towards each other will move the new-look team forward this year.”

The Tactix will also don a new strip for the ANZ Premiership, which starts with a blockbuster Super Sunday on March 26 where they take on the WBOP Magic at Claudelands Arena in Hamilton.