Kate Heffernan. Photo: Photosport
Steel co-captain Kate Heffernan will have to wait longer to get her ANZ Premiership season underway.
The Silver Ferns midcourter was not able to take the court in the Steel's opening game against the Tactix on Sunday after injuring her knee during training on May 8th.
The injury had now been fully assessed, which shows she has hyperextended her right knee, which typically take between two and four weeks to heal.
Heffernan said she was fully focused on getting back amongst the action.
"Unfortunately, injuries are one of the realities of elite sport but that doesn't make it any less heartbreaking not be able to get out there with my team," she said.
"We have all worked incredibly hard during the preseason and deserve to reap the rewards of that now the competition has started.
"Watching from the sidelines definitely fuels my determination. I will be following the expert advice of our medical team to the letter and doing everything in my power to play as soon as I get the green light, but I know I have to be patient."
Liana Leota. Photo: © Photosport Ltd 2025 www.photosport.nz
When the Steel lost to the Tactix 57-50 in Christchurch they had to call on their assistant coach - former Silver Fern Liana Leota, and they may do so again.
The 40-year-old was named on the bench for the southerners and did not look out of place when she spent 10 minutes on court at wing attack for her old club in the third quarter.
Last year Leota stepped down from her role as England Roses technical coach and her position as Leeds Rhinos director of netball to take up the role at the Steel.
Her last season playing domestic netball was in 2022 in the England league.
Heffernan travelled with the team in a leadership role for the opening game against the Tactix in Christchurch.
"Naturally I want to be out there playing my part, but I have the upmost faith in our entire squad to get the job done regardless of who is wearing the bibs. We have prepared for every scenario," she said.
The Steel also used Stars training partner Khanye-Lii Munro-Nonoa as cover in the defensive end for Dakota Thomas.
The 24-year-old Thomas made the move to New Zealand after being a training partner at the NSW Swifts.
But with the Stars suffering an injury crisis, Munro-Nonoa might be needed back in Auckland.
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