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Otago Daily Times
7 hours ago
- Health
- Otago Daily Times
Mother's diagnosis spurs Stythe into advocacy
Carys Stythe signs autographs for Southern Steel fans in Invercargill last weekend. PHOTO: MICHAEL BRADLEY PHOTOGRAPHY Carys Stythe was in her happy place. It was her second fully contracted season with the Northern Mystics last year and the rangy defender was starting to stamp her mark and come into her own. There were plenty of highs from the season, as the Mystics went on to be crowned back-to-back ANZ Premiership champions and Stythe got the callup for the Silver Ferns development squad. Then, in the middle of the season, she got the news. Her mother Sara, who had just celebrated her 50th birthday, had been diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer. It was an unimaginable new reality for the 21-year-old and her family. After having a sore stomach, her mother, who Stythe described as "very in tune" with her body, knew something was not right and went to see her doctor. But she had to fight for further testing to eventually get the diagnosis. "She had to push for herself to get a colonoscopy because they said 'you're too young to have anything in your bowel', which is terrible because lots of people are getting diagnosed young," Stythe said. "If someone sent Mum to go get a colonoscopy regularly, she would've been able to get it — but now she's got stage four cancer. "It's just the difference between A and B, I guess. "That's the one thing that we can urge people to do... Just test it." Stythe openly admits last year was really tough. "I don't even remember half of it. I was so upset the whole time. "Obviously I didn't show it on court because that was like my space away from what was going on at home." But her tight-knit family of father Gareth, older sister Imogen, 23 — who moved to London this week, which her mother encouraged — and younger sister Isla, 16, banded together to support one another. Her younger sister is autistic, and has relied heavily on their mother, so the family had the added pressure of helping her become more independent. Stythe is proud of how far she has come. Distance has never been a problem either, since Stythe landed in Invercargill with the Southern Steel this season. She made the trip to visit her loved ones when the Steel played in Hamilton earlier this season and their family chat was always ticking over with countless messages. "I literally talk to them on the phone every day. "We've still got that family connection and I'm only a flight away if she needs me. The Stythe family (from left) Isla, Imogen, Sara, Gareth and Carys. PHOTO: CARMEN BIRD "We're super close. I think that's what made it really hard as well." If there is anything Stythe wants people to take away, it is the importance of family. "Just soak up the time with your family. It's hard, but it does get easier." Looking to make the best of the situation, Stythe has continued to put one foot in front of the other. Her family gathered together to run the Auckland half marathon last year, all for a great cause, and raised $10,000 for Bowel Cancer New Zealand. It is a moment that still brings a smile to Stythe's face. Her work did not stop there. Stythe was an ambassador for the Move Your Butt campaign in February, designed to get people raising money by completing 100km to honour the 100 Kiwis who die of bowel cancer every month. The defender spent the month running, and walking, to help raise awareness for a cause that has become close to her heart. And it is not hard to see why she has become so passionate about it. "If regular colonoscopies were a thing from a young age, she wouldn't have stage four cancer right now. "She would've had it cured. It would've not even been a thing. "The fact she had to push to get one... she'll push for that, whereas I think other people wouldn't. "It just wouldn't have happened, so just really raising awareness for how young people can actually get it and[they're getting it] younger." More than 3300 New Zealanders are diagnosed with bowel cancer every year, a statistic no-one should have to live with, she says. Stythe continues to share information through her social media, including the group who protested outside Parliament, calling for lowering the age of eligibility for free bowel screening tests to 45 last month. "I'm just trying to get it out there, I guess. "Anyone that can hear it and take something from it, I guess, is what I want." Stythe has settled in well to life in the deep South. Living in Invercargill with her partner Hikoi Paki, and being part of a fresh Steel side that clicked from the moment they met made for an easy transition. "I'm just really loving my time here. "All the girls we're really good friends and the coaches are great. "I just think because I'm enjoying my time so much here it's showing on court." Stythe in action for the Steel against the Pulse in their ANZ Premiership game in Invercargill. PHOTO: MICHAEL BRADLEY PHOTOGRAPHY That is for certain. Stythe has been outstanding and leads the ANZ Premiership for rebounds (11), and deflections (22) and is fourth-equal for intercepts (seven). Stythe, who was the New Zealand secondary school player of the year in 2021, put it down to the Steel's environment, and more game time at goal keep allowing her to focus on her job. Learning from Steel coach Wendy Frew, and her family-first mentality, also allowed Stythe to settle in her role. "She's all about the person first and I think obviously with Mum, she's been really awesome about that," Stythe said. Adding in the two-point shot had added another layer to the game, and while most of the discussions have been related around the shooters, many forget there are defenders trying to stop it. Stythe says it turned the circle backwards — instead of trying to push shooters out of the circle, defenders wanted them closer to the post during the two-point time — and the rules made it hard to get around their opponents. But Stythe sees potential in the innovation. "It makes it fun. I know the fans love it so much. "I love it so much as well. When I'm down the other side and we get a two in, it just lifts the whole team." The Steel were hammered 70-45 by the Central Pulse last week. But it was a bad result in an otherwise positive start to the season and they get another shot when they host the Mainland Tactix this afternoon. The Steel lost 57-50 to the Tactix in the opening game, but the Tactix only really ran away in the final quarter. "We just need to bring it from the first whistle. "We could take away lots of good things from our first game against them, kind of keep doing that but see what we could do better so we can take the win." It will be a memorable game for many reasons. The Hutton Family Trophy will be on the line again, in honour of Kelly Hutton, who died of ovarian cancer, and her sister, Megan, who played for the Steel. In a nice touch, the Steel will also be doing their bit raising money for the Southern Cancer Society. And when Stythe runs out on to the court, there will be some lucky people in the stands watching on — her family, including her mother, who have made the trip to Invercargill to watch her play. "They're my biggest fans so I'm really excited to see them." ANZ Premiership 4pm, Invercargill Southern Steel: Aliyah Dunn, Georgia Heffernan, Summer Temu, Serina Daunakamakama, Kimiora Poi, Renee Savai'inaea, Carys Stythe, Abby Lawson, Khayne'-Lii Munro-Nonoa. Mainland Tactix: Ellie Bird, Te Paea Selby-Rickit, Martina Salmon, Erikana Pederson, Holly Mather, Parris Petera, Paris Lokotui, Karin Burger, Jane Watson, Charli Fidler.
News.com.au
3 days ago
- General
- News.com.au
Diamonds star left ‘in agony' as NZ move lasts just three games in ‘big blow' for her team
Diamonds squad member Donnell Wallam has been sent for specialist scans after injuring her wrist in a nasty fall while playing in New Zealand. The star goal shooter's return to play now remains unclear, with Diamonds medical staff to be consulted on the best option for the 31-year-old. Watch every game of the 2025 Suncorp Super Netball season, LIVE on Kayo. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer. Wallam, playing for the Northern Mystics, had been attempting to keep the ball in play off a rebound when she turned to shoot and fell awkwardly, landing on her left arm. It's the same arm Wallam broke while playing under Dan Ryan in England for the Leeds Rhinos before she would go on to light up Super Netball and earn a fairytale Australian call up. Wallam's injury late in the third term of her side's thrilling win over the Southern Steel was described as a 'big, big blow' for the Mystics. 'She took a hard fall,' commentator Jeff McTainsh said. 'She's coming off here, not happy. She landed hard trying to keep it in. 'Just tried to break her fall Wallam, stuck out her left wrist. 'A big, big blow for the Northern Mystics.' Fellow commentator Kruze Tangira said his 'heart dropped' watching Wallam immediately clutch at her injured wrist. 'My stomach was in knots seeing that,' Tangira said. 'She tried to attempt that shot and just fell heavily on her left wrist. 'She was attempting to get the ball back in, we've seen that in previous games where she does a little flick behind the post. 'As soon as it happened, she grabbed that left wrist obviously in agony.' Wallam stayed on court for almost a minute before she was able to head to the bench and not return for the remainder of the contest. The Aussie star recruit was clearly in pain as she made her way from the court. In a statement released on Tuesday, the Mystics confirmed Wallam would be sidelined indefinitely. 'Donnell Wallam is currently undergoing treatment for a hand injury that she suffered in the Mystics Round 3 clash with the Southern Steel,' the club said. 'Donnell will be seeing a hand specialist this week and a return to play plan will be confirmed following consultation with Mystics and Australian Diamonds medical teams. 'We wish Donnell a speedy recovery and can't wait to have her back on court.' Wallam was only in her third game across the ditch after moving on from Super Netball when not offered a deal at the Queensland Firebirds. The goal shooter was sitting inside the league's top five for goals scored – alongside fellow Aussie recruit Charlie Bell at the Stars – before she suffered the arm injury. Wallam is the player who replaced Super Netball's superstar recruit Grace Nweke at the three-time ANZ Premiership champions.
Scoop
29-05-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
Tactix Eye Sold-Out Home Game Against Mystics
North Canterbury is set to host a sold-out, top-of-the-table clash between the Tactix and Mystics as both sides fight to remain at the top of ANZ Premiership leaderboard. Sitting in first place, the Northern Mystics will be looking to secure a fourth season win, while the VIP Frame and Trusses Tactix look to harness their home advantage, when the teams meet at MainPower Stadium in Rangiora on Saturday. After two close back-to-back North Island challenges, the sold-out MainPower game has come at the perfect time in the season for Tactix head coach Donna Wilkins. 'The first few weeks have been tough, but we have had a good start to the season and we are ready to be back in front of our local crowd, we have missed the cheering Tactix fans!' Wilkins said. In training, the Tactix have been working on correcting in-game errors, with Wilkins pushing her team to fight hard for intercepts and protect ball possession, especially in the midcourt. 'We let the Magic get on top of us in errors last week, but to come away with the tight win - we know that when the pressure is on, we can pull back the game,' she said. With fewer games and new rules to adopt, Wilkins believes the new-look ANZ Premiership has proven that any team can walk away with a win. 'Each week, we have to bring our A-game, no win is guaranteed and when we look at the premiership leaderboard, there have been numerous close games and blow outs,' she said. The Mystics remain unbeaten in the 2025 competition, with shooter Donnell Wallam top point scorer, and top 2-pointer shooter; a challenge the Tactix are excited to meet head on. Fans can expect a strong defensive response, with Tactix vice-captain Karin Burger and international alumni Jane Watson demonstrating against the Stars, that they are adapting week-on-week to the fast and physical demands of the extended goal circle. 'With the change up with the 2-point rule for defence, we are now looking at forcing errors and getting rebounds but we will still have to get out (on the court) and fight for the ball and fight for the intercepts,' Burger said. A full Tactix squad is available to play in Rangiora, with captain Erikana Pedersen match fit after a preseason leg injury. While this week's clash has sold-out, there is coverage on TVNZ+ and Sky Sport delayed, while tickets for the Tactix v Pulse in Round 6 at Wolfbrook Arena 15 June are available via Ticketmaster.
Otago Daily Times
28-05-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Frew wants Steel to remember how much loss hurt
Wendy Frew. PHOTO: MICHAEL BRADLEY Wendy Frew wants her side to remember how this week has felt. The Southern Steel coach was gutted after they came up short 55-54 against the Northern Mystics in Dunedin earlier this week. "Losing's not fun and we need to remember this feeling for the rest of the season because it really hurts, hurts the heart," Frew said. "If we want to be competitive and be in that top three in July, we can't afford to get too many losses on the board. "Good to get the bonus point, but it's a game that we were in the hunt to get the three points and they're pretty crucial." They came back from being six points down at the start of the fourth quarter against the ANZ Premiership defending champions and went on a run to pull back the score. But costly turnovers in the final minutes of the game, and their inability to fully execute under pressure, hurt them. With a condensed season of only 10 games before the playoffs, Frew was frank in saying her team needed to bounce back fast. "It really makes you have to perform early on, and we haven't done that. "We're two losses and one win now — that's disappointing." The Steel opened the season with a 57-50 loss to the Mainland Tactix but were superb in their 69-41 win against the Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic in round two. Frew felt her team were building nicely into the season, but they did not have much time to muck around. "Now it's up to us to keep looking at the opposition and if we need to adapt on the court, adapt where we need to. "At times we just were kind of stuck in our ways. "In saying that, the girls put everything into it so I am proud of them." New Zealand under-21 players Serina Daunakamakama and new recruit Khanye'-Lii Munro-Nonoa have been calm heads and stepped up for the Steel through injury, proof their is more depth this season. "We've got a lot of young girls and, I guess as coaches, we're putting a lot of pressure on them to perform," Frew said. "We are really proud of them. "There's so much potential in this group and we just need to keep executing those key moments and being adaptable on the court, so we're really competitive and we push on and get those wins." They get another shot against the Central Pulse in Invercargill on Sunday.
Scoop
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
Mystics Pip Steel To Stay On Top
The Northern Mystics kept their unbeaten record intact after snatching a dramatic last-gasp 55-54 win over Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel to close out Round 3 in Dunedin on Monday. Losing their key shooting weapon Donnell Wallam just ahead of the three-quarter break to injury, the Mystics produced a masterstroke when shifting dynamic midcourt pivot Peta Toeava into the goal attack role for the last nine minutes. It turned out to be a pulsating nine minutes, Toeava proving she's a magician in most positions on the court as the teams turned on a thirilling contest. Down by five at the last break, intercepts to defender Carys Stythe and Kimiora Poi set the Steel up for a spirited comeback. Mystics shooter Filda Vui negated the Steel's two-point lead to level the scores with a super shot with under two minutes to play. One last Holly Rae turnover gave the Mystics the sniff they needed to clinch a hard-fought win against an impressive Steel challenge. The result helped the visitors retain the Georgina Salter Memorial Trophy in a match which also celebrated umpire Kristie Simpson, who was officiating in her 150th national league match. Still missing midcourter Kate Heffernan through injury, the Steel retained their winning starting seven from the previous week. For the visitors, goal attack Hannah Glen got her first start of the season in an otherwise predictable line-up. The connection between clever feeder Peta Toeava and her tall shooting target Wallam was evident from the first whistle as the Mystics quickly sprung into action with their quick through-court transition. The Steel needed to show more patience threading the ball through in the face of strong defence but showing traits of old, the southerners ball retention was a feature. The visitors held the slimmest of early leads where Wallam and her opposite Aliyah Dunn showed perfect positioning and great accuracy under the hoop. With everything very even on the statistics sheet, a steady, calm and patient Steel forged their way into the lead, Georgia Heffernan nailing the first and only super shot of the quarter to take the momentum and a 17-13 lead into the first break. Both shooters remained in dominant form on the resumption where a goal-for-goal stand-off was the order of play for the opening exchanges. Both teams spun the ball through court seamlessly with Steel centre Poi in the thick of all the action. A lift in the Mystics intensity helped the visitors eventually gain the slightest of edges through the second spell. The injection of super shot specialist Vui at goal attack for the last five minutes paid off handsomely in changing momentum the Mystics' way.. With unassuming ease, Vui drilled three super shots to Heffernan's one as the Mystics hit the front when taking a tenuous 31-30 lead at the main break. The Mystics opened the third quarter with serious intent, tightening the screws and disrupting the Steel's attacking flow. Captain Micahela Sokolich-Beatson was a telling presence from wing defence, upsetting the Steel's feeds into the circle while getting her hands on a succession of turnover ball. It resulted in errors from the Steel, who at the other end of the court couldn't harness the growing dominance of pin-point feeds from Toeava and Vui into the safe hands of Wallam. With the Mystics lead stretching out to six, Dunn showed she could shoot from anywhere when slotting a super shot to keep the Steel well in the race. Disaster struck on the brink of three-quarter time when Wallam fell heavily while trying to retrieve a rebound, sustaining a wrist injury in the process and forcing her off the court. Vui went back to goal shoot with Glen returning to goal attack as the Mystics headed into the last break with a 47-42 lead.
