King size Kiwi Erena Mikaere has revealed her pride at landing the captain’s armband ahead of this weekend’s lucrative Fast 5s Netball All-Stars event at London’s O2 Arena.
And as the towering Team Northumbria skipper prepares to lead her multi-national squad into action she insisted the Tynesiders boast the X Factor necessary to spring a major surprise.
Mikaere linked up with her team-mates earlier this month after clinching the coveted Suncorp Super Netball title with Aussie franchise Sunshine Coast Lightning.
And with a £25,000 winners cheque up for grabs on Saturday the 6ft 4in star said: “I’ve had a great year and I’m hoping it will only get better. “Winning the Suncorp competition was a dream come true and I’ve got the taste for silverware!
“I’m so proud to have been named captain. It’s an amazing honour. There are so many talented and experienced players in this squad that any one of them could be a captain. There’s a lot of leadership within this group.
“I love the balance of the squad and we have some amazing players. I’ve only trained with the girls for a few hours but I’ve already seen enough to know we’ll be competitive in London.
“I’m sure the opposition will underestimate us but that will be a big mistake.”
Mikaere’s fellow Kiwi Daneka Tuineau hooked up with TN on Wednesday and has had 48 hours to familiarise herself with TeAroha Keenan’s fast-paced squad.
The veteran shooter is plying her trade in France’s professional basketball leagues this season.
But the former Silver Fern made her name in netball as an attacker capable of hitting her shots from way downtown - a key skill in the cut and thrust of Fast 5s netball.
And Mikaere’s job will be to prevent similarly ambitious rivals plundering extra points with long range efforts.
“I haven’t played Fast 5s netball before,” she added. “But I’ve seen it played at club level. It’s quicker and more exciting than conventional netball.
“It’s so different in so many ways. For starters you’re losing two players and so it’s more work for the three girls in the middle.
“There are more points available during powerplays so we need to be switched on even more during those periods.
“It’s netball’s version of Rugby Sevens and the action is non-stop.
“As a defender it will be tough. Like so many sports looking to switch things up these days, the emphasis is on attack in the shortened version of netball.
“It’s my job to make sure every shot is a tough shot for our opponents and I need to keep a check on the long-range efforts. I’ll be looking to take as many rebounds as possible and if we can send some of those down to our shooters then even better.”
Mikaere has already re-signed for champions Sunshine Coast Lightning ahead of the new Suncorp Super Netball season.
But she is making the most of her time in the UK after committing four weeks to her TN project.
“TeAroha got in touch and I snapped up the chance to come over,” added Mikaere. “I’m so excited to represent TN in the Fast 5s. My mum is part Scottish so I’ve used some of my time over here to visit relatives north of the border.
“But this weekend the focus is on netball.”
TN have been drawn against Team Bath in the opening round of the Fast 5s event. Two wins will guarantee a semi-final spot worth £12,500 - catch all the action live on Sky Sports from 5pm on Saturday.
.jpg_62276aa9abc9d.png)
