Stars set the tone early as ANZ Premiership round two heats up across New Zealand

Round two of the ANZ Premiership brings early pressure, fresh rivalries, and no easy games as teams look to make their mark across New Zealand this weekend.

The Northern Stars arrive in Invercargill full of confidence after a strong opening-round win over the Northern Mystics, their first victory over them since 2023.

That result quickly positioned them as one of the early teams to watch this season.

They now face the Southern Steel at ILT Stadium on Saturday with centre pass at 4pm. The Stars bring experience across the court with several players who have won the Silver Fern dress.

That calm under pressure could be key against a Steel side still building combinations early in the season.

In the shooting circle, Amelia Walmsley and Martina Salmon will again be the ones to watch as they look to sharpen their timing and build on a solid start.

The Steel, though, will be desperate to respond after a 55-42 opening-round loss. They do have history on their side in Invercargill, winning six of their nine meetings against the Stars at home. That record will give them the belief they can flip the script.

Mystics vs Magic

In Tauranga, attention turns to the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic, who host the Northern Mystics at 7pm in the contest for the Hobbiton Cup.

Both sides are still chasing their first win of the season, making this an important early test.

The Mystics head into the match with a reshuffled midcourt after the absence of key centre Tayla Earle.

Training partner Anne Kirikiri and NRLW player Grace Kukutai shared the role last week and may be called on again as they try to steady the flow on Saturday afternoon.

For the Magic, shooters Kate Taylor and Saviour Tui are still finding rhythm. There were signs of promise in their opening game against the Pulse last week.

But consistency in the circle will be the focus if they want to get their first win.

Pulse vs Tactix

Round two wraps up on Sunday with a top-of-the-table clash between the Central Pulse and Mainland Tactix.

It is a rematch with added edge after the Tactix knocked the Pulse out in last year’s elimination final.

The Tactix return to Wolfbrook Arena, where they’ve won their last three matches, and will look to extend that run.

Charlie Bell of the Tactix. Photo/John Davidson/Photosport

For the Pulse, they showed strong form in round one with Player of the Match Parris Mason standing out for her defensive work. Her pressure will again be key against the tall Tactix shooting circle of Charlie Bell and Amorangi Malesala.

In the midcourt, Tactix co-captain Erikana Pedersen’s direction will be crucial after a strong round one showing, where she ranked highly for centre pass receives and feeds.

With early points on the line and confidence still being built, round two could already shape the tone of the 2026 campaign.

For more information on fixtures and results of the 2026 ANZ Premiership, click here.