Northern Stars defender Kayla Cullen Photo: Photosport
Northern Stars bolstered their lineup for 2018 ANZ Netball Premiership by re-signing defender Kayla Cullen and picking up former Silver Ferns shooters Paula Griffin and Ellen Halpenny.
The Stars also recruited Olivia Coughlan from the Mainland Beko team, who were 2017 finalists.
Cullen, who has again been named in the Silver Ferns, was a foundation member of the new club where she made an impact at both goal defence and wing defence.
Paula Griffin was returning to the game after knee surgery, while Halpenny has returned from overseas.
Coughlan had previously been a squad member for the Canterbury Tactix in 2016.
Coach Kiri Wills said securing the experienced heads of Kayla Cullen, Paula Griffin and Ellen Halpenny would be a huge asset and the potential of young Olivia Coughlan was exciting.
"Kayla is a world class player with her athleticism, speed and ability to read the game," she said.
"She's still a young player but brings plenty of knowledge into the squad as does the likes of Paula and Ellen who have played at the highest level."
Griffin had played in two World Cups for the Silver Ferns and is a former captain of the New Zealand under-21 team.
She had played for a number of teams in the former Trans-Tasman competition including the Central Pulse, Southern Steel and Waikato-BOP Magic.
Cullen, Griffin, Halpenny and Coughlan join Silver Ferns Grace Rasmussen and Maia Wilson along with Holly Fowler and Fa'amu Ioane as the latest signings for the club with just two places remaining.
The ANZ Premiership will begin again in May 2018.