Tairi predicts Stars to bring something special

Northern Stars vice-captain Courtney Tairi knows what it takes to win and build a winning team culture.

The midcourt general will partner experienced campaigner and captain Leana de Bruin in the Stars leadership group as they aim to create history when they face the Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel in the opening game of the ANZ Premiership on Sunday 26 March.

GET TICKETS – SUPER SUNDAY, ROUND 1, CLAUDELANDS ARENA, HAMILTON

“We can’t wait to open the season. It’s an honour to play the opening game of the new League, particularly having the opportunity to test ourselves against a strong team like the Steel,” Tairi said.

“The feeling in the community is great – we’ve got a lot of supporters and it’s exciting to have a Netball team in South Auckland.

“We couldn’t have done it without the support of the High Wire Trust.”

From day one the Stars have been determined to create a winning culture on and off the court.

Enter Julie Hoornweg – the uncompromising and highly successful coach who knows a thing or two about setting up a new team having done so with the Melbourne Vixens in the former Trans-Tasman Netball League.

“Julie is great - we love her - she has such a passion for Netball,” Tairi said.

“Our younger ones are fortunate to have a coach like her early on in their careers. Even I’m doing drills that I’ve never done before – so there’s plenty for us older ones to learn too!”

The name ‘Northern Stars’ was inspired by Matariki, the small cluster of stars which appear low on the northeast horizon just before dawn in mid-winter. Also known as the Seven Sisters, or Pleiades in Greek legend, Matariki’s appearance heralds the start of the Maori New Year.

Matariki is incorporated into the team’s logo, which also features the Northern Stars’ colours of purple and silver – all of which feature on the team’s match dress.

“We didn’t just want a name, team or culture that didn’t stand for anything,” Tairi explains.

“A lot of thought has gone into designing everything so that we stood for something and could leave a legacy.

“We’re the inaugural Stars team – we’re starting from the beginning and are creating something special that will continue on for years.”

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 – GET TICKETS.