Sport

Sisters return for the Southern Steel

17:01 pm on 8 August 2017

Te Paea Selby-Rickit of the Steel in action. 2017 ANZ Premiership. Photo: Photosport

Southern Steel coach Reinga Bloxham says retaining the Selby-Rickit sisters for next season is going to be vital to the team's continued success.

Silver Fern shooter Te Paea Selby-Rickit and older sister and defender Te Huinga would return to the ANZ Premiership champions.

Shooter Olivia Bates and midcourter Dani Gray had also earned contracts with the Southern Steel.

Bloxham said between the siblings, they had a lot of experience which was critical for 2017.

"They are both a really crucial part of our team and to have that leadership at each end of the court is going to be really important."

"They aren't 'in-your-face' leaders but they both inspire on and off the court. They look very relaxed in their approach but it's all business when it comes to game time," she said.

Te Paea Selby-Rickit was delighted to be returning for an eighth season with the southern team and she said it was an easy decision to make.

"I love being with this team and being with the same franchise my whole netball career is something I'm really proud of."

"Obviously, I really enjoyed this season and getting the ANZ Premiership and the Super Club titles was awesome. We've kept our core group of players so I'm looking forward to building on that next year."

Wendy Frew and Silver Ferns Shannon Francois and Gina Crampton are already confirmed for the Steel for the 2018 season.