The Northern Comets are refusing to hang their hats on past successes as they prepare for the 2025 National Netball League season.
The Comets made history in 2024 winning their maiden NNL title with coach Michelle Parsons at the helm.
This year’s squad features a number of returning faces from that title triumph, with some fresh talent helping provide a balanced group.
“We’ve got a few debutants this year, so for the girls who have returned it’s really about setting the environment and making sure we feel authentic and credible around how we go about doing things.” Parsons said.
“The girls have been really strong on this being our environment, this is how we do things, no egos allowed and it’s about looking after each other and highlighting each other’s strengths.”
The introduction of the two-point shot has provided a new challenge for Parsons, but she believes they have the right mix in the shooting circle to be able to maximise their opportunities.
“What are our strengths and how do we use those to our advantage with the two-point shot. There might be someone who isn’t afraid to shoot from anywhere, there’s the player who will be under the post who will make sure we get all the rebounds and there’s people who can move the circle and make sure we split the defence.”
Though they might have a target on their backs coming into the new season as defending champions, Parsons knows the importance of pressing the reset button and writing a brand-new story with her newly formed group.
“Believe in who we are and what we stand for. It’s not about anything else but going out there every week and embracing each other’s uniqueness and what they bring.” Parsons explained.
“Our focus is very much about what are we doing to be honest about our performance and the level we perform at. Everyone wants to get to the end of the season and look themselves in the mirror and go yeah, we had a good season and are proud of what we’ve done.”
The Comets open their campaign against the Northern Marvels on Sunday afternoon on Auckland’s North Shore.
2025 Northern Comets Squad
Eseta Autagavaia
Crystal Maro
Jaelin Tulikaki
Marie Hansen
Tori Kolose
Abbie Leger
Charlie Lindsay
Khanye Munro-Nonoa
Marcia Jerram
Losa Fifita
Avah Sila
Maria Tatupu
Training Partners:
Lata Holi
Addi Albert-Jones
Rileigh Campbell
Julia Law
