In a rare set of circumstances, Grace Southby claimed family bragging rights when celebrating a first-up win with her new team Central Manawa in the opening round of this year’s Synergy Hair Netball League (SHNL).
After a heady few months, rising young midcourt talent Skylah Tainui-Takerei is poised to build on her momentum when Central Manawa get their 2026 Synergy Hair Netball League (SHNL) campaign underway against the Southern Blast in Wellington on Sunday.
Building on their successful history, Central Manawa have named an exciting blend of experience and rising young talent in their squad of 12 for the 2026 National Netball League (NNL).
Brimming with energy, experience and a shared commitment to growing the men’s game, Central Zone Men’s Netball have assembled a well-credentialled coaching and management group to lead their programme for the 2026 season.
Marking a highlight in their careers, Netball Central Zone players Amelia Walmsley, Laura Balmer and Sarah Guiney will line up for the New Zealand U21 team to contest next month's World Youth Cup in Gibraltar.
In a big final quarter effort, Mainland went on to win their first national league grand title 48-44, in an electrifying see-sawing match against Central Manawa.
One week on, Central Manawa will be working on a repeat performance when they meet Mainland in the Synergy Hair Netball League (NNL) Grand Final in Wellington on Saturday.
Coming into their last game of the regular season, the equation couldn't be more clear-cut for Central Manawa who need a win to cement their spot in the Synergy Hair Netball League (NNL) grand final.