April 11, 2026 • 11 mins
The Northern Stars are set to begin their 2026 campaign, with their upcoming season-opening ANZ Premiership game against Auckland rivals the Mystics this afternoon.
Centre-pass is set for 4pm.
Northern Stars captain Mila Reuelu-Buchanan joined Piney to discuss.
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Speaker 1 (00:06):
You're listening to the Weekend Sport podcast with Jason Vine
from Newstalk ZEDB.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
The new an Ze Premiership Netball season is underway. Six teams,
double round robin. Top three go into the final series.
Yesterday the Central Pulse betting the White Cut or Bay
of Plenty Magic fifty three forty five defending champions, the
Mainland Tactics fifty five forty two winners over the Southern
Steel and to complete round one a local derby at
(00:32):
Pullman Arena this afternoon, Stars v Mystics Center Pass is
at four o'clock, Silver Fern's mid Quarter and Stars Captain
Miller Radio Buchanan is with us. Mela, can we start there? Actually, Captain,
you're leading the Stars this season. You are the skipper.
What does that responsibility mean to you personally?
Speaker 3 (00:54):
No, Kilder pliny, thank you for having me on. It's
always a pleasure having a good ol yarn with you.
And yeah, like you say, looking forward to today and
getting this season underway. Captain for me, just the title, mate,
nothing more than that. I think everyone leaves in their
own right and I'll continue to leave with my actions.
(01:15):
But other than doing the toss, the great thing about
this team is that we will steep up. So it's
an exciting time. It's a huge honor, of course, but
it's nothing more than what I already bring and have
to bring to the team.
Speaker 2 (01:31):
So it's all changed around the league this season, well
not all change, but a lot of change around the season,
a lot of new players coming in, some current and
former Silver Firns now playing in Australia. Does it feel
like a bit of a reset or even a new
era of sorts.
Speaker 3 (01:48):
Yeah, I mean you can fit it in that life.
I mean, I think there was concerns around the composition
not being as competitive this season, but I can tell
you right now from watching the preseasons and being part
of that and playing up against the teams, if anything,
it's just as strong and it creates a for players,
the younger players coming through to have the opportunity in
(02:11):
this level. We talk about growth, we talk about developing
our younger players and you'll see that mixed them with
a lot of experience. So yeah, it is almost a
new era for Netble New Zealand here, but it's exciting.
It's exciting to see other players have opportunities and to
see their growth continuing from the older players as well.
Speaker 2 (02:32):
Let's have a look a couple of new faces in
your squad. You've added a bit of shooting depth. Martina
Salmon Amelia Walmsley have both come and what have they
added to your environment?
Speaker 3 (02:42):
Yeah, look, it's exciting to have our shoots in the team.
As we know, both have had experience with the Silver
Ferns and look, they are two young players, Amelia and Martina,
but they also I think probably because they've been playing,
you know, at this high level for a long time,
(03:02):
the maturities there. They bring experience, they bring accuracy, two
very very accurate shooters, probably the most accurate shooters, I
would say in the competition. And yeah, not just that,
but they bring a lot of fun and energy, something
that was kind of missing in our environment. And it's
just really exciting to have the lacks of meals who
(03:24):
have come from a successful franchise to bring that winning
mentality to the group as well as my Tina you
know the Technics where she came from. They actually won
the premiership last year, so we're very lucky.
Speaker 2 (03:37):
So in terms of forging new combinations then, because you'll
be from mid court feeding into these two new shooters.
I know you know them from from the silver Ferns,
but how much have you worked on meshing quickly and
establishing those those combinations feeding into the shooting circle.
Speaker 3 (03:53):
Yeah. Look, it's always you know, that's what pre season
is about, is building those connections. And this year as well,
pre season is not as long as it used to be,
so you're kind of under you know, tight time constraints.
But I'm very lucky that I have had the opportunity
to play with them during the international season, and it's
just I guess it's understanding how each individual player holds,
(04:16):
how they come off the body, but also how they
like to take I guess like feedback in the moment.
You know. I know with meals you can be quite direct,
but with Temai you've got to find another way that
helps her to to assure her that she's doing a
good job. So they both there's not a I mean,
(04:37):
they both have the potential and the talent, so it
makes our jobs easier to be here. So yeah, I
can't wait for you all to see those connections coming
to come to light.
Speaker 2 (04:48):
Which, bib are we likely to see you most in
this year?
Speaker 1 (04:53):
Yeah?
Speaker 3 (04:54):
I think mostly this year. I would say center, and
that's kind of how it has been over the last
eight years with the Stars. I know that when I
have been in this oric and their preferences when attack.
But I think for me it's just I will play
wherever my coaches want me, in whatever environment, whatever team,
And I think it's important to show versatility as well
(05:16):
that I can I can cross over. But we've got
a strong team of players and our especially in the
mid court, well across the whole. We've got debts across,
but mid court was bought for choice in terms of
where players can go. So look, you might even see
me in the goal tech position. I don't know.
Speaker 2 (05:33):
I've just actually, when I was getting ready to teck
to you, I did bring up your profile on the
Star's website and it's got center, wing, attack, and then
it has got goal attech. So what are we looking
at that possibility?
Speaker 3 (05:45):
Well, it's funny because when they asked for our positions,
I actually put gold Tech as a joke and were
laughing at me. I didn't realize. I didn't realize my
manager was actually going to put Golifteck on my profile.
Speaker 2 (05:57):
So I love it. I love that, I love it.
You open the season with the derby against the Mystics
this afternoon. They've been in many ways the competition benchmark
for a while. How much are you looking forward to
that challenge straight away?
Speaker 3 (06:10):
Yeah, it's always a good battle up against the the six.
They know how to win and they have, you know,
a one, very consistent team, and so for us it's
exciting to come against the other organ team. You know,
you've got that natural rivalry going on, and I think
for us it's kind of just focusing on nailing our
(06:33):
own jobs first instead of getting caught up on what
they do. And yeah, I think it's just it's going
to be a great battle, and as you know, as
it's our first game, I think everyone's just kind of
eager to see what comes out of today. So yeah, no,
looking forward to seeing to seeing how we go.
Speaker 2 (06:53):
There's no getting away from the fact that twenty twenty
five was disappointing for the Stars. So how determined and
driven are you to put that behind you and and
to bring a freshness and a reinventuration into twenty twenty six.
Speaker 3 (07:09):
Yeah. Look, I've already put last season behind me. You know,
there's no point in holding on to the past. Unless
it's going to serve its curvise. But because we've had
so many different players come from different teams, naturally we
have had a real refresh in the group. So we've
brought all the positives that have come out of what
(07:30):
if the teams were all been in bringing it into
our team, but also bringing our own new mixed to
the group. And there were lots of learning from from
the last few seasons for us with the Stars, but
we're a completely different team, so it's exciting to see what,
you know, what this new group brings. And we've been
working extremely hard over the last ten weeks to get
(07:52):
to where we are.
Speaker 1 (07:53):
So.
Speaker 3 (07:55):
I really hope that all that hard work is rewarded
come this afternoon.
Speaker 2 (08:01):
In every game on Free to Wear TV this season,
how big a boost is that to the to thes
enter the competition.
Speaker 3 (08:08):
Yeah, look, I think it's you know, other than I
guess you know everything that's been in Nick New Jellan,
I think it's really cool that there's an opportunity for
nitble to be watched for free across New Zealand and
particularly you know, nipple is the most played support by
women women as well, and I think it's important that
(08:31):
people can access that for free. And as we know,
you know, the challenges that we face every day financially
with everything going on, what better way to have Knitble
free for people to watch and enjoy.
Speaker 2 (08:49):
As you mentioned, it's been a challenging old time, hasn't
it for for Nepol the last twelve months or so
for various reasons. What's it like being so deeply involved
in the game during that time?
Speaker 3 (09:01):
Yeah, look, not gonna lie. It was a challenge to
be part of to have to go through what we
went through, but then having but then having to perform,
you know, Like I think at the end of the day,
there was still a job to do, and that was
to perform at the highest level whilst all the tales
around us was happening as athletes. So I don't think
(09:23):
people actually realize the challenges that we had to face
on a daily So I'm really proud going to reflect
back on that time of how the girls all came
together and supported supported one another to ensure that we
could perform on the day and to see that as
we know, and you know, reflecting back on our compositions,
(09:46):
we did just that. We did show up, We did
show up for each other and we performed and that's
not easy when you're you know, your career is there
for the whole world to judge. And yeah, I was
just really proud of the group when I look back
on such a challenging time.
Speaker 2 (10:02):
Very well said in light of the share there's a
Commonwealth Games. You're a fixture in the Silver thing last year,
of course some is that a goal of yours getting
on the plane to Glasgow later in the year.
Speaker 3 (10:11):
Yeah, definitely, it's always a goal of mine to be
in the Silver Fern, and you know, I'll keep continuing
to work to that, to that goal, and I think
for me, it's just taking it one game at a time,
one step by step with the stars and then hopefully,
you know, the rest will spect for itself. So I
know what I need to do. And you know, I'm
kind of at that point where I'm almost a veteran
(10:32):
in the game now, so you know, I see it
as when I play, it's like, you know what to do,
you have no excuse his relief. So yeah, yeah, we'll
see how we get on.
Speaker 2 (10:41):
Yeah, looking forward to seeing how it plays out. An
exciting year ahead for you, Mela and for the game
and netball here all the best against the Mystics this afternoon.
Thanks for chatting as always awesome.
Speaker 3 (10:49):
Thank you so much, appreciate it takes you.
Speaker 2 (10:52):
Take care to Mila. Thanks indeed Mila or Ei Buchanan.
She is the captain of the Stars. They take on
the Mystics in the final game of Round one in
the A and Z Premiership Netball competition this afternoon. Set
to Pass at four.
Speaker 1 (11:05):
For more from We Again Sport with Jason Fine, listen
live to News Talk set B weekends from midday, or
follow the podcast on iHeartRadio.
You're listening to the Weekend Sport podcast with Jason Vine
from Newstalk ZEDB.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
The new an Ze Premiership Netball season is underway. Six teams,
double round robin. Top three go into the final series.
Yesterday the Central Pulse betting the White Cut or Bay
of Plenty Magic fifty three forty five defending champions, the
Mainland Tactics fifty five forty two winners over the Southern
Steel and to complete round one a local derby at
(00:32):
Pullman Arena this afternoon, Stars v Mystics Center Pass is
at four o'clock, Silver Fern's mid Quarter and Stars Captain
Miller Radio Buchanan is with us. Mela, can we start there? Actually, Captain,
you're leading the Stars this season. You are the skipper.
What does that responsibility mean to you personally?
Speaker 3 (00:54):
No, Kilder pliny, thank you for having me on. It's
always a pleasure having a good ol yarn with you.
And yeah, like you say, looking forward to today and
getting this season underway. Captain for me, just the title, mate,
nothing more than that. I think everyone leaves in their
own right and I'll continue to leave with my actions.
(01:15):
But other than doing the toss, the great thing about
this team is that we will steep up. So it's
an exciting time. It's a huge honor, of course, but
it's nothing more than what I already bring and have
to bring to the team.
Speaker 2 (01:31):
So it's all changed around the league this season, well
not all change, but a lot of change around the season,
a lot of new players coming in, some current and
former Silver Firns now playing in Australia. Does it feel
like a bit of a reset or even a new
era of sorts.
Speaker 3 (01:48):
Yeah, I mean you can fit it in that life.
I mean, I think there was concerns around the composition
not being as competitive this season, but I can tell
you right now from watching the preseasons and being part
of that and playing up against the teams, if anything,
it's just as strong and it creates a for players,
the younger players coming through to have the opportunity in
(02:11):
this level. We talk about growth, we talk about developing
our younger players and you'll see that mixed them with
a lot of experience. So yeah, it is almost a
new era for Netble New Zealand here, but it's exciting.
It's exciting to see other players have opportunities and to
see their growth continuing from the older players as well.
Speaker 2 (02:32):
Let's have a look a couple of new faces in
your squad. You've added a bit of shooting depth. Martina
Salmon Amelia Walmsley have both come and what have they
added to your environment?
Speaker 3 (02:42):
Yeah, look, it's exciting to have our shoots in the team.
As we know, both have had experience with the Silver
Ferns and look, they are two young players, Amelia and Martina,
but they also I think probably because they've been playing,
you know, at this high level for a long time,
(03:02):
the maturities there. They bring experience, they bring accuracy, two
very very accurate shooters, probably the most accurate shooters, I
would say in the competition. And yeah, not just that,
but they bring a lot of fun and energy, something
that was kind of missing in our environment. And it's
just really exciting to have the lacks of meals who
(03:24):
have come from a successful franchise to bring that winning
mentality to the group as well as my Tina you
know the Technics where she came from. They actually won
the premiership last year, so we're very lucky.
Speaker 2 (03:37):
So in terms of forging new combinations then, because you'll
be from mid court feeding into these two new shooters.
I know you know them from from the silver Ferns,
but how much have you worked on meshing quickly and
establishing those those combinations feeding into the shooting circle.
Speaker 3 (03:53):
Yeah. Look, it's always you know, that's what pre season
is about, is building those connections. And this year as well,
pre season is not as long as it used to be,
so you're kind of under you know, tight time constraints.
But I'm very lucky that I have had the opportunity
to play with them during the international season, and it's
just I guess it's understanding how each individual player holds,
(04:16):
how they come off the body, but also how they
like to take I guess like feedback in the moment.
You know. I know with meals you can be quite direct,
but with Temai you've got to find another way that
helps her to to assure her that she's doing a
good job. So they both there's not a I mean,
(04:37):
they both have the potential and the talent, so it
makes our jobs easier to be here. So yeah, I
can't wait for you all to see those connections coming
to come to light.
Speaker 2 (04:48):
Which, bib are we likely to see you most in
this year?
Speaker 1 (04:53):
Yeah?
Speaker 3 (04:54):
I think mostly this year. I would say center, and
that's kind of how it has been over the last
eight years with the Stars. I know that when I
have been in this oric and their preferences when attack.
But I think for me it's just I will play
wherever my coaches want me, in whatever environment, whatever team,
And I think it's important to show versatility as well
(05:16):
that I can I can cross over. But we've got
a strong team of players and our especially in the
mid court, well across the whole. We've got debts across,
but mid court was bought for choice in terms of
where players can go. So look, you might even see
me in the goal tech position. I don't know.
Speaker 2 (05:33):
I've just actually, when I was getting ready to teck
to you, I did bring up your profile on the
Star's website and it's got center, wing, attack, and then
it has got goal attech. So what are we looking
at that possibility?
Speaker 3 (05:45):
Well, it's funny because when they asked for our positions,
I actually put gold Tech as a joke and were
laughing at me. I didn't realize. I didn't realize my
manager was actually going to put Golifteck on my profile.
Speaker 2 (05:57):
So I love it. I love that, I love it.
You open the season with the derby against the Mystics
this afternoon. They've been in many ways the competition benchmark
for a while. How much are you looking forward to
that challenge straight away?
Speaker 3 (06:10):
Yeah, it's always a good battle up against the the six.
They know how to win and they have, you know,
a one, very consistent team, and so for us it's
exciting to come against the other organ team. You know,
you've got that natural rivalry going on, and I think
for us it's kind of just focusing on nailing our
(06:33):
own jobs first instead of getting caught up on what
they do. And yeah, I think it's just it's going
to be a great battle, and as you know, as
it's our first game, I think everyone's just kind of
eager to see what comes out of today. So yeah, no,
looking forward to seeing to seeing how we go.
Speaker 2 (06:53):
There's no getting away from the fact that twenty twenty
five was disappointing for the Stars. So how determined and
driven are you to put that behind you and and
to bring a freshness and a reinventuration into twenty twenty six.
Speaker 3 (07:09):
Yeah. Look, I've already put last season behind me. You know,
there's no point in holding on to the past. Unless
it's going to serve its curvise. But because we've had
so many different players come from different teams, naturally we
have had a real refresh in the group. So we've
brought all the positives that have come out of what
(07:30):
if the teams were all been in bringing it into
our team, but also bringing our own new mixed to
the group. And there were lots of learning from from
the last few seasons for us with the Stars, but
we're a completely different team, so it's exciting to see what,
you know, what this new group brings. And we've been
working extremely hard over the last ten weeks to get
(07:52):
to where we are.
Speaker 1 (07:53):
So.
Speaker 3 (07:55):
I really hope that all that hard work is rewarded
come this afternoon.
Speaker 2 (08:01):
In every game on Free to Wear TV this season,
how big a boost is that to the to thes
enter the competition.
Speaker 3 (08:08):
Yeah, look, I think it's you know, other than I
guess you know everything that's been in Nick New Jellan,
I think it's really cool that there's an opportunity for
nitble to be watched for free across New Zealand and
particularly you know, nipple is the most played support by
women women as well, and I think it's important that
(08:31):
people can access that for free. And as we know,
you know, the challenges that we face every day financially
with everything going on, what better way to have Knitble
free for people to watch and enjoy.
Speaker 2 (08:49):
As you mentioned, it's been a challenging old time, hasn't
it for for Nepol the last twelve months or so
for various reasons. What's it like being so deeply involved
in the game during that time?
Speaker 3 (09:01):
Yeah, look, not gonna lie. It was a challenge to
be part of to have to go through what we
went through, but then having but then having to perform,
you know, Like I think at the end of the day,
there was still a job to do, and that was
to perform at the highest level whilst all the tales
around us was happening as athletes. So I don't think
(09:23):
people actually realize the challenges that we had to face
on a daily So I'm really proud going to reflect
back on that time of how the girls all came
together and supported supported one another to ensure that we
could perform on the day and to see that as
we know, and you know, reflecting back on our compositions,
(09:46):
we did just that. We did show up, We did
show up for each other and we performed and that's
not easy when you're you know, your career is there
for the whole world to judge. And yeah, I was
just really proud of the group when I look back
on such a challenging time.
Speaker 2 (10:02):
Very well said in light of the share there's a
Commonwealth Games. You're a fixture in the Silver thing last year,
of course some is that a goal of yours getting
on the plane to Glasgow later in the year.
Speaker 3 (10:11):
Yeah, definitely, it's always a goal of mine to be
in the Silver Fern, and you know, I'll keep continuing
to work to that, to that goal, and I think
for me, it's just taking it one game at a time,
one step by step with the stars and then hopefully,
you know, the rest will spect for itself. So I
know what I need to do. And you know, I'm
kind of at that point where I'm almost a veteran
(10:32):
in the game now, so you know, I see it
as when I play, it's like, you know what to do,
you have no excuse his relief. So yeah, yeah, we'll
see how we get on.
Speaker 2 (10:41):
Yeah, looking forward to seeing how it plays out. An
exciting year ahead for you, Mela and for the game
and netball here all the best against the Mystics this afternoon.
Thanks for chatting as always awesome.
Speaker 3 (10:49):
Thank you so much, appreciate it takes you.
Speaker 2 (10:52):
Take care to Mila. Thanks indeed Mila or Ei Buchanan.
She is the captain of the Stars. They take on
the Mystics in the final game of Round one in
the A and Z Premiership Netball competition this afternoon. Set
to Pass at four.
Speaker 1 (11:05):
For more from We Again Sport with Jason Fine, listen
live to News Talk set B weekends from midday, or
follow the podcast on iHeartRadio.
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