Wilkins acknowledges Broughton's influence as opener looms
Donna Wilkins. Photo: Luisa Girao
Mainland Tactix coach Donna Wilkins reckons her late mentor would be having a wee giggle this week.
Wilkins was a key player in the Robyn Broughton era at the Southern Steel - and the Southern Sting - and the Central Pulse, as was her sidekick, Tactix assistant Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickit.
The duo will come up against their good friends and former team-mates, new Steel coach Wendy Frew and assistant Liana Leota, in their ANZ Premiership opener on Sunday.
There are Broughton influences everywhere you look this season. Northern Stars coach Temepara Bailey and assistant Leana de Bruin also spent time under her.
''She's probably looking down on us thinking 'what are you all doing? Have you not got a life outside of netball - you're all still there','' Wilkins laughed.
''I'm sure she'd be having a wee giggle, but also really proud.
''There's a huge influence right throughout the country in netball with us giving back and I think that's what it's about.
''A lot of us have been coached for a number of years from Robbie and just giving back, and sharing her passion and knowledge a wee bit.
''A lot of our drills have come from the days of back under her guidance... it's always one of Robbie's, or we adapt something, which is really neat.''
Wilkins, who steps up to Tactix head coach after being a specialist coach for the past three years and replaces Marianne Delaney-Hoshek, was happy with where her side was at after five preseason games.
''There's always room for improvements, but I think they're ready now.
''There's only so much of preseason that you can mentally handle and I know that from being a player as well.
''You just want to get that first game under your belt and this season is no different.''
Every game counts this season with the competition cut back from three rounds to two, and Wilkins was thrilled they could open their campaign at home.
''With the shorter season, and only having 10 games, it makes a home-court advantage really, really important.''
Wilkins, who relocated from Southland to Canterbury for the Tactix, said she was ''quite pleased'' her first game as head coach was against the Steel.
She and Frew had been sounding boards for each other stepping into their new roles.
''It's quite funny. Wendy and I have been laughing on the phone about it.
''We've kept in close contact throughout... and helping each other a wee bit, which is nice.
''We're all in there for the same goal of helping netball grow and being the best we can be.
''Looking forward to going up against Wendy - not so much looking forward to the fact most of her relatives are coming.''
The inaugural Hutton Family Trophy will also be on the line, honouring former Sting player Megan Hutton and her sister, Canterbury Flame Kelly, who died of ovarian cancer in 2023.
The trophy with be contested between the two South Island teams throughout the season.
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