30 Jun 2017

Leaving trans-Tasman comp a good move- Wyllie

6:55 am on 30 June 2017
Netball NZ chief executive Jennie Wyllie

Netball NZ chief executive Jennie Wyllie Photo: Photosport

Netball New Zealand chief executive Jennie Wyllie says breaking away from the Australian competition has been a success.

After nine years the organisation announced last year it would split and have a separate New Zealand competition.

The Southern Steel who did not have a loss the whole season won the ANZ Premiership 69-53 over the Central Pulse on Wednesday night.

Wyllie said despite some large winning margins in games, she believes the competition was still competitive.

"We're getting great viewership numbers our ratings are up 30 per cent, we've had pleasing crowd support - obviously the Pulse, Steel and Stars are standout in terms of crowd, but the fan base overall is building.

"We really saw some tight games along the way and some improvement and variability as the season progressed," Wyllie said.

Captian's Katrina Grant of the Pulse, Jess Moulds of the Tactix, Leanna de Bruin of the Southern Stars, Wendy Frew of the Southern Steel, Maria Tutaia of the Northern Mystics, Casey Kopua of the Waikato Magic.

Captian's Katrina Grant of the Pulse, Jess Moulds of the Tactix, Leanna de Bruin of the Southern Stars, Wendy Frew of the Southern Steel, Maria Tutaia of the Northern Mystics, Casey Kopua of the Waikato Magic. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Jennie Wyllie said Netball New Zealand will review the season and determine what changes if any are needed for next year.

"Yeah it is a new competition so what was important for us was that our fans, coaches and players could have increased opportunities on shore and get back to that New Zealand style, seeing our own players in our own environment .

"There is always constant review of where we are going and how we are doing things and that process starts shortly, it's about growing the product and following next year, Wyllie said.

She said the competiton has allowed younger players to get more exposer and game time, which will pay off when the Silver Ferns start their international season.

-RNZ