Northern Stars snap Mystics streak as the Tactix and Pulse open season strong

The new ANZ Premiership netball season has opened with a strong set of results, headlined by the Northern Stars breaking their long run without a win over the Northern Mystics.

The Stars claimed their first win 63-59 over their northern rivals since 2023 at Pulman Arena in Auckland on Sunday.

Head coach and former Silver Fern Temepara Bailey said she’s proud of her side’s effort in the opening round.

“We had our work cut out,” Bailey told a TVNZ post-match interview. “And I am just pleased for our girls that we ended up with the win.

“It was a tight game, we worked so hard right to the end and the Mystics are an elite team right throughout the court.”

The Stars’ new shooting combination of Amelia Walmsley and Martina Salmon proved crucial, both playing the full match and shooting above 90 per cent.

Their movement and accuracy kept the Mystics’ defence under pressure throughout.

The Summerset two-point super shot also played its part, with Salmon landing two while Walmsley added another at key moments.

Mila Reuelu-Buchanan, captain of the Northern Stars. Photo/Blake Armstrong/Photosport

The Stars midcourt combination of captain Mila Reuelu-Buchanan and Claire O’Brien drove the tempo, helping their team turn pressure into points during the game.

The Mystics had their chances with Maia Wilson and Goal Attack Filda Vui both shooting at 100 per cent.

But unforced errors and the absence of midcourter Tayla Earle made it harder for them to build control. The Mystics debuted youngster Anne Kirikiri and featured experienced Grace Kukutai.

Other round one results:

The Mainland Tactix kept their home winning streak clean, defeating the Southern Steel 55-42 at Wolfbrook Arena in Christchurch.

Despite changes from their 2025 Premiership-winning side, the Tactix looked settled with their attacking unit proving too strong for the Steel, who struggled to find answers across the court.

In Wellington, the Pulse also made an early statement at home, beating the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic by eight points early Saturday afternoon.

Having one of the most refreshed squads of 2026, the Pulse controlled the match from the start with co-captain Paris Mason leading a strong defensive effort to earn Player of the Match honours.

Up and coming

Attention now turns to round with the Stars travelling to Invercargill to face the Steel at ILT Stadium while the Magic host the Mystics at Mercury Baypark Arena at 7pm.

The Tactix will stay at home and take on the Pulse on Sunday at 4pm to finish off round two of the Premiership. The match shapes up as an early test between the two on-form teams

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