Dynamic mid-courter adds spark to Stars for 2026

The Go Media Stars have injected pace and flair to their mid-court for the 2026 ANZ Premiership season, with the signing of Claire O’Brien.

Capable at both the centre and wing attack positions, O’Brien joins the Stars after two seasons with the Magic and made her international debut for the Silver Ferns in 2024.

“I’m really excited to join the Stars. I know some of the girls in the team, so it’ll be awesome to reconnect with them and also being in a new environment with the chance to learn will be great.” O’Brien said.

Having the guidance of Stars coach Temepara Bailey was a big drawcard for O’Brien when making her decision to head to Auckland.

“I always loved how Temepara played, so to be able to work with her and use her expertise in the mid-court is a really cool learning opportunity at this part of my career and you don’t always get opportunities like this.” O’Brien explained.

O’Brien began her netball career in Australia, before coming to New Zealand and featuring with the Mystics in 2022.

O’Brien details her style of play and goals while wearing the Stars dress.

“I would say I’m an explosive player and like to use short and sharp movements and utilise my change in direction to get free and work in the attack end.” O’Brien added.

“Getting back into the Silver Ferns is a goal of mine, but first and foremost I want to return to playing with freedom and finding consistency with my game and working on some things I want to improve on.”

O’Brien will also get the opportunity to form a formidable combination with Mila Reuelu-Buchanan in the mid-court, something she’s excited about.

“I haven’t worked with Mila before, but love the way she plays and she has a lot to offer in the centre role, so it’ll be cool to combine and see how we can connect as a mid-court pair.”

Having played against the Stars at Pulman Arena in different dresses, O’Brien’s looking forward to being cheered for by the Stars whānau next season.

“I’m excited to meet all of the fans and I know they have a lot of members who have been there since day one. I’m a big community person and love connecting with that side of things and am excited to get stuck in. I just hope I’m embraced as much as I’ll embrace them!”