Latest news with #KaylaJohnson
RNZ News
18-05-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
ANZ Premiership: Injury-riddled Northern Stars too strong for Mainland Tactix
Paris Lokotui in action for Mainland Tactix. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/ Injury-riddled Northern Stars have proved too strong for Mainland Tactix, leading for all but the opening 12 minutes to prevail 57-52 in their ANZ Premiership encounter at Auckland's Pulman Arena. The home side led by as many as 10 points in the final quarter, before a flurry of two-point goals in the final minutes, narrower the eventual margin. Towering Aussie shooter Charlie Bell dominated at the attacking end for the Stars, converting 40/44 (90.9 percent) attempts at goal, including three from long range. At the other end, Martina Salmon slotted 36/43 (83.7 percent) for the Tactix, but the Stars defenders also proved effective, with goal defence Liviwa Tokaduadua grabbing five of their seven intercepts. The Stars lost several players to injury during a torrid home derby against Northern Mystics last week, with former Silver Fern Kayla Johnson summoned from retirement to help fill the void. Johnson logged 16 minutes at wing defence across the third and fourth quarters. The result leaves both teams with a win and a loss from their two rounds, trailling the defending champion Mystics, who have two wins. Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic host Southern Steel in Hamilton on Monday, both still searching for their first wins of the season. Follow all the action with RNZ's live blog:
RNZ News
15-05-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Netball: Season over for Stars player, former Silver Fern in as injury cover
Stars foundation player Kayla Johnson. Photo: © Photosport Ltd 2017 The Stars will be without up and coming midcourter Greer Sinclair for the rest of the ANZ Premiership season with scans confirming the worst after their season-opener against the Mystics. Sinclair didn't even get through a quarter of netball in the 2025 season and was one of three Stars players who had to be helped off the court in their 71-55 loss to the Mystics on Sunday. The Stars have confirmed Sinclair ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee and would miss the remainder of the season. She will undergo surgery before working towards a return to the court in 2026. On Sunday the Stars exhausted all their bench options and just like that were facing an injury crisis after round one of the domestic season. Defender Kate Burley, who had to hobble off the court in the third quarter, has suffered an injury to her left foot and will be assessed week to week. Burley will continue to be monitored and follow return to play protocols. The franchise said Australian shooter Charlie Bell, who had to come off near the end of the game, suffered a mild ankle and calf sprain. Bell is tracking positively towards Sunday's game against the Tactix and will need to clear return to play protocols. Greer Sinclair. Photo: Photosport / Blake Armstrong Stars foundation player Kayla Johnson will join the team as injury cover, having last worn the Stars dress during the 2022 season. Johnson filled in for the Mystics last year when they were hit by injuries. The Stars already had to bring in replacement player Tori Kolose for the first few games for Samon Nathan as she recovers from injury. Franchises are already having to get creative to cover injuries. When the Steel lost to the Tactix 57-50 on the weekend they had to call on their assistant coach Liana Leota, with Kate Heffernan carrying a knee injury. The 40-year-old did not look out of place when she spent 10 minutes on court and the former Silver Fern may be called on again with Heffernan out for at least another couple of weeks. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
15-05-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Netball: Star midcourter Greer Sinclair out for season after rupturing ACL
Stars foundation player Kayla Johnson. Photo: © Photosport Ltd 2017 The Stars will be without up and coming midcourter Greer Sinclair for the rest of the ANZ Premiership season with scans confirming the worst after their season-opener against the Mystics. Sinclair didn't even get through a quarter of netball in the 2025 season and was one of three Stars players who had to be helped off the court in their 71-55 loss to the Mystics on Sunday. The Stars have confirmed Sinclair ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee and would miss the remainder of the season. She will undergo surgery before working towards a return to the court in 2026. On Sunday the Stars exhausted all their bench options and just like that were facing an injury crisis after round one of the domestic season. Defender Kate Burley, who had to hobble off the court in the third quarter, has suffered an injury to her left foot and will be assessed week to week. Burley will continue to be monitored and follow return to play protocols. The franchise said Australian shooter Charlie Bell, who had to come off near the end of the game, suffered a mild ankle and calf sprain. Bell is tracking positively towards Sunday's game against the Tactix and will need to clear return to play protocols. Greer Sinclair. Photo: Photosport / Blake Armstrong Stars foundation player Kayla Johnson will join the team as injury cover, having last worn the Stars dress during the 2022 season. Johnson filled in for the Mystics last year when they were hit by injuries. The Stars already had to bring in replacement player Tori Kolose for the first few games for Samon Nathan as she recovers from injury. Franchises are already having to get creative to cover injuries. When the Steel lost to the Tactix 57-50 on the weekend they had to call on their assistant coach Liana Leota, with Kate Heffernan carrying a knee injury. The 40-year-old did not look out of place when she spent 10 minutes on court and the former Silver Fern may be called on again with Heffernan out for at least another couple of weeks. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
