Auckland based franchise Stars have made a full squad announcement, with consistency in the attacking end and bolstering the defensive end with two familiar names.

Holly fowler and Kayla Johnson (nee Cullen) will both don the purple dress after years away from the side.

Fowler went down with an ACL injury in August 2020 but has come back in fighting spirit, taking the court for the WBOP Magic last season.

Fans will be welcoming Kayla Johnson back to New Zealand and awaiting to see her trademark closing speed and tenacity.

Coach of the Silver Ferns Noeline Taurua has had an eye on Kayla Johnson during her two years in Australia. Johnson has also been forthcoming in expressing her interest to make it back into the national team ahead of the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

The first team to name a player this contracting period, Southern Steel have taken their time to name the rest of their squad.

A steady midcourt lead by captain Shannon Saunders will return for next year.

Kate Heffernan will be wanting to build on a stellar season in 2021 and will be joined in the team by twin sister Georgia, who has come back quickly a her knee injury.

The Steel impressed in 2021 on the back of a strong team culture with new combinations gelling quickly and individual players going from strength-to-strength.

Can the Southern team go one better next season and make the Grand Final?

With spots filling fast (1 in Magic and 2 in Pulse) who will be the next player to sign?

Steel:

Shannon Saunders
Kate Heffernan
Ali Wilshier
Renee Savai’inaea
Sarahpheina Woulff
Te Huinga Selby Rickitt
George Fisher

INS:
+ Kate Burley (from Mystics)
+ Saviour Tui (from Mystics)
+ Georgia Heffernan (back from injury)

OUTS:
-Tiana Metuerau

Pulse:

Aaliyah Dunn
Tiana Metuerau
Whitney Souness
Maddy Gordon
Paris Lokotui
Kelly Jury

INS
+ Amelia Walmesley
+ Temalisi Fakahokotau

OUTS
-Ameliaranne Ekenasio
-Kelera Nawai-Caucau
-Claire Kersten

Mystics:

Grace Nweke
Gilda Vui
Elisapeta Toeava
Tayla Earle
Fa’amu Ioane
Claire O’Brien (elevated from training partner)
Sulu Fitzpatrick
Phoenix Karaka (back from having a baby)
Michaela Sokolich-Beatson (back from injury)

INS
+ Monica Falkner

OUTS:
-Kate Burley
-Saviour Tui
-Ama Agbeze
-Bailey Mes

Magic:

Khiarna Williams
Samantha Sinclair
Georgie Edgecombe
Georgia Tong
Erena Mikaere

INS
+ Ameliaranne Ekenasio
+ Claire Kersten
+ Bailey Mes
+ Oceane Maihi

OUTS
-Caitlin Bassett
-Chiara Semple
-Tori Kolose
-Holly Fowler
-Grace Kara

Stars:

Gina Crampton
Lisa Mather
Mila Reuelu-Buchanan
Anna Harrison
Elle Temu
Maia Wilson
Jamie Hume
Amorangi Malesala

INS:

+ Kayla Johnson (née Cullen)
+ Holly Fowler (from Magic)

OUTS:
-Monica Falkner
-Oceane Maihi

Tactix:

Ellie Bird
Te Paea Selby-Rickit
Samon Nathan
Kimiora Poi
Charlotte Elley
Karin Burger
Jane Watson

INS
+ Kelera Nawai-Caucau

OUTS
-Jess Prosser
-Erikana Pederson
-Sophia Fenwick