Netballers around New Zealand are meeting for final training, packing their gear bags and hoping they’ve done enough fitness before flying into Wellington for the New Zealand Men’s Netball Nationals next week.
After celebrating the 30th anniversary of the competition in its birthplace of Rotorua last year, Men’s Nationals will once again return to the Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua on 16 September.
A total of 23 teams, including two Australian invitational teams will take to the court. In the Open grade, teams have been divided into two pools with round robin play determining seedings for Semis and Finals. Five teams will battle it out for the Under 23 grade title.
North Harbour will be looking to repeat their winning result after defeating 18 year title holders Canterbury A in a torrid A grade final last year. After changing their approach to Nationals, coach Michelle Vaeau is pleased with how her team is shaping up.
“With our younger players coming through we have a good mix of new and experienced campaigners which makes for healthy competition within the team. It will be exciting to see this out on court,” said Vaeau.
While the team are not putting expectations on themselves, they have a clear game plan and believe that sticking to it will bring the desired result.
In the B grade, Tainui Waikato Rangatahi are returning to defend their title while Cook Strait U23s look to do the same in the Under 23 Grade.
Round robin play commences on Wednesday 16 September at 9am after the opening ceremony, culminating in Semis and Finals on Saturday 19 September. Admission is free for the duration of the tournament.