Reuelu-Buchanan to lead Stars for 2026 ANZ Premiership season

The Stars will have a new captain for the 2026 ANZ Premiership campaign.

Experienced mid-courter Mila Reuelu-Buchanan will lead the side, taking over from the departed Maia Wilson who held the role for the past five seasons.

“It’s a huge honour and privilege and I’ve reflected back on my journey to get here. This is my eighth year with the franchise and we also celebrate 10 years since the Stars were established, so being a part of this team I love for so long and to now be captain is special.”

Reuelu-Buchanan has shone during her time with the Stars, which saw her make her Silver Ferns debut in 2022 and she’s since added a further 23 test caps.

A vibrant personality on and off the court, Reuelu-Buchanan is deeply connected to the Stars community and knows the value added by the diversity of South Auckland.

“I love the culture, the noise, the colour and everything about this community reminds me of where I grew up in Porirua. As someone who grew up as a very proud Māori and Pacific wahine it’s so cool to play alongside and represent those who look like me. When we have the opportunities to go into the community and work with those who have stood by us in amongst success and adversity as well is special.” Reuelu-Buchanan added.

Reuelu-Buchanan is grateful to be influenced by former captains like Leana de Bruin and Maia Wilson who she’s played alongside and feels she’s learnt a lot from their guidance.

“I want to continue to add to their legacies and bring my own strengths to the group. We have an exciting team this year and I can’t wait to see what they bring this season. Seeing them working hard and showing up when the going gets tough inspires me to be the best captain I can for this team, but I’m lucky I don’t have to do this alone.” Reuelu-Buchanan explained.

Stars coach Temepara Bailey believes Reuelu-Buchanan’s elevation to captain is well deserved.

“I’m really excited for not only Mila, but the franchise in general. I think she’s grown from the time she started at the Stars to where she’s at now. She’s always been a leader within the team regardless of title and it’s really cool as we had the players vote who they wanted to lead them and that was pretty unanimous.” Bailey said.

“We know that she’s driven and an extrovert who likes to have fun. I think what she’s developed in a leadership space is her awareness of those around her and as a leader it’s important to understand your teammates and how to communicate in different ways and I’m excited to see what she can do as captain and lead this team.” Bailey added.
 
Defender Kate Burley has been named vice-captain, while returning shooter Amelia Walmsley rounds out the leadership group.

Bailey believes there is a wonderful balance amongst the team’s leaders this year.

“Kate’s very special and has a massive heart. She understands and cares about people and has gone through many challenges in her netball career on and off the court and adds a different lens to Mila which is really key in the leadership space.”

“I started with Amelia when she was with the Comets, then she went away and has grown up and learnt a lot. She’s a determined, focused, young women, but still herself and likes to have fun and cares which are really nice attributes to have."