Temepara Bailey returns to court for Stars

The Northern Stars has announced Netball legend Temepara Bailey will step out of retirement into a player-assistant coach role for the 2019 ANZ Premiership season.

The Stars lost significant experience in the midcourt and attacking end following the recent withdrawal of captain Grace Kara due to pregnancy.

Team management looked at younger players associated with the Stars but due to significant injuries to Tori Kolose and Chrissy Oscar, head coach Kiri Wills decided that Bailey is the best person for the role at this point in time.

""The decision was a relatively easy one from my point of view. We have a number of young driven players in our team and for us to win, we need to have on court leadership and experience, there is no doubt Temepara will bring these qualities,"" said Wills.

“One of Temepara's great strengths is her capacity to direct players on court and drive on court team strategy, whilst still doing her job to a very high standard. She and Leana (de Bruin) are the players we are looking to lead the on-court performance of our team. They both know how and what it takes to win, and you will see the young players in our squad flourish under their leadership.

“We have some great young talent in our team and the wider squad and we will be looking to push those players hard to get them ready for the ANZ Premiership. When they are ready to contribute to a winning performance they will certainly get opportunities.""

Bailey will also continue in her role as assistant coach for the third year running with the franchise. Wills and Bailey have carefully worked through the logistics of how the roles will operate.

""South Auckland is home for me and I’m looking forward to preseason with the team and getting out on court in the purple colours of the Stars next year,"" said Bailey.

The Northern Stars first match of the 2019 ANZ Premiership season will be against the Southern Steel on Sunday February 24th in Hamilton.

Northern Stars 2019 ANZ Premiership Team

Temepara Bailey, Kate Burley, Kayla Cullen, Leana de Bruin, Holly Fowler, Ellen Halpenny, Charlee Hodges, Storm Purvis, Mila Ruelu-Buchanan, Maia Wilson.

Training Partners: Tori Kolose, Oceane Maihi and Tamara Leoni

Head Coach: Kiri Wills.
Assistant Coach: Temepara Bailey
Team Manger: Dee Leggat