Northern Marvels

09 derby was a close one. 🤝🏾

5 rounds. We on! 🫡

The Northern Marvels are ready to light up the 2026 season with passion, pride, and relentless grit this Saturday in their first match of the 2026 Synergy Hair Netball League against Comets.

With the return of several 2025 Marvels alongside exciting new athletes entering our environment, this group brings a fresh mix of experience, energy, and hunger to grow.

These athletes are stepping into a new performance environment with courage, intent, and a drive to challenge themselves every day. Built on connection, trust, hard work, and heart, the Marvels are ready to embrace the journey ahead, create pressure on court, and inspire the next generation along the way.

Catch the action this Saturday 16 May, 5pm at The Trusts Arena.

🎟 https://northernmystics.flicket.co.nz/events/64ab6e3d-dfc9-4374-8f2d-4bbdccacadef

📢 Announcing the 2026 Northern Marvels Squad

We’re excited to unveil the Northern Marvels team for the 2026 season – a dynamic group of athletes ready to represent the Northern Marvels with pride, intensity, and a relentless commitment to development.

This year’s squad brings together emerging talent, returning strength, and key contributors from our wider performance pathway.

2026 Marvels:
• Stacey Ah Van (Mystics Training Partner)
• Leila Atkins (Mystics Apprentice Training Partner)
• Ivari Christie*
• Isabella Galvan
• Krisaan Hayward
• Lilly Henare Vaihu
• Anne Kirikiri (Mystics Training Partner)
• Jenaya Lata
• Sierra Lau’ese
• Latonya Lole*
• Grace McCarthy
• India Nash
• Shayla Nepia
• Mia Swann
• Mali Toleafoa
• Liliana Wills
• Jaz Zanders

* Pending medical clearance

We can’t wait to see this group take the court, push one another, and continue building the strength of our Northern talent pipeline.

The Marvels season begins on May 16 vs across town rivals the Comets at Trusts Arena as a curtain raiser to the Mystics vs Stars game.

Thank you to everyone who attended the Marvels Trials. We were impressed by the intensity, skill, and effort shown across the trial.

We are pleased to invite the following athletes to the Marvels Callback Trials on Thursday 19 March:

Kyel Anderson
Leila Atkins
Jonni-Rose Chamberlain
Ivari Christie
Esther Cruzat
Erin Fobbester
Isabella Galvan
Krisaan Hayward
Lillian Henare-Vaihu
Lata Holi
Jenaya Lata
Sierra Lau’ese
Latonya Lole
Hannah MacDonald
Grace McCarthy
India Nash
Shayla Nepia
Kayla Paladin
Romi Ropati
Milla Senio
Mia Swann
Mali Toleafoa
Izzie Williams
Liliana Wills
Jazmine Zanders

📅 Thursday 19 March
📍 Netball Waitākere
🕕 Sign in: From 6:00pm
⏱ Trial starts: 6:25pm (sharp)

Please arrive early to allow time for sign in and preparation.

🚨 NORTHERN MARVELS TRIALS – REGISTRATIONS NOW OPEN!

Ready to take the next step in your performance netball journey? Be part of the 2026 Northern Marvels campaign in the Synergy Hair Netball League.

If you’re aiming to compete at a high-performance level and push your game further, this is your chance to step into the Marvels environment.

📍 TRIAL DETAILS
Venue: Netball Waitakere – 31 Te Pai Place, Waitakere

FIRST TRIAL (Open Trial)
📅 Tuesday 17 March
🕕 Sign in: 6:00pm
🔥 Warm up: 6:30pm
🏐 Trial: 6:00pm – 9:00pm

CALLBACK TRIAL
📅 Thursday 19 March
🕕 Sign in: 6:00pm
🔥 Warm up: 6:30pm
🏐 Trial: 6:00pm – 9:00pm

The callback list will be posted on the Netball Northern website and social media by 5pm, Wednesday 18 March.

📋 PROGRAMME DETAILS (If selected)
• Campaign cost: $300
• Trainings: Monday & Thursday evenings (Henderson)
• Games: Saturdays or Sundays
• Induction: Week of 23 March
• Training starts: Week of 6 April
• Campaign window: 6 April – 21 June

📩 Questions: [email protected]

👉 Register now:
https://www.sporty.co.nz/viewform/491613

Meet the Northern Marvels Management for 2026!

We’re excited to announce the Management group guiding the Northern Marvels into the 2026 Synergy Hair Netball League.

🔹 Head Coach: Melissa Bessell
🔹 Assistant Coach: Ripeka Pirie
🔹 Manager: Claire Martin

Melissa returns as Head Coach to guide a powerhouse squad built on resilience, growth, and results. Working closely with Tia Winikerei (Mystics Head Coach) in a mentorship capacity, the Marvels will align strongly with the future trajectory of the Mystics programme.

Ripeka Pirie returns as Assistant Coach, providing continuity, experience and strategic guidance, while Claire Martin joins the team as Manager, bringing extensive knowledge and fresh energy.

The strong foundations continue with Rebecca Fanning (Physio) and Amelia Pasco (S&C) returning in their trusted roles for 2026.

Together, this group is set to lead a squad fusing purpose, performance, and a touch of fun to propel the Marvels to new heights in 2026.

Marvels 1st Trials begin: Tuesday 17 March

Final round loading.. ⏳

This Saturday | 2PM | Globox Arena
Catch us in the Tron tomorrow to take on WaiBop as we sign off on this season! 🩵

GAME 4 ONWAYS!!! catch us against the Central Manawa this weekend 🩵🩵

🗓️: 8th June - 5:05pm

📍: TSB Arena, Wellington

🏐: Central Manawa

tough day in the office last weekend :) time to regroup and go again 💙👊🏽