The Netties: Saviour Tui shoots up the ranks in Round 5

Sport Nation • June 11th, 2025 12:00 am

Saviour Tui (shooting) is contested by Carys Stythe (Netties leader) | Photo: Photosport

Every week Mark Stafford and Sulu Fitzpatrick (Kruze Tangira this week) will pick three standout players, awarding them 3, 2, and 1 points - the player with the most points at the end of the season will be crowned the inaugural Nettie.

Welcome to The Netties.

Round 5 wrapped up with some serious action - the Mystics shook things up with a solid upset over the Pulse in their grand final rematch, showing they’re ready to challenge anyone.

The Magic backed up their strong form with a second straight win, powering through the Stars with precision and pace.

Meanwhile, the Tactix kept their top-of-the-table momentum alive, edging out the Southern Steel in a gritty derby. It’s shaping up to be a fierce run home in the ANZ Premiership!

ANZ Premiership Round 5

Saturday: Steel v Tactix at ILT Stadium Southland, Invercargill

Top of the table and playing like it, the Tactix proved too slick and too steady for the Southern Steel, closing out a 57–49 win in Invercargill.

It wasn’t always comfortable, but it was controlled. Ellie Bird anchored the attack with poise, Te Paea Selby-Rickit kept things humming, and the defensive unit of Burger, Watson and Lokotui (celebrating 50 games) turned the screws when it counted.

The Steel showed fight, with Aliyah Dunn landing a pair of late super shots, but the visitors always had another gear. Holly Mather continued her rise in the middle, and the Tactix walked away with the win and once again, no bonus point offered.

Staffy: Paris Lokotui (3), Karin Burger (2), Holly Mather (1).
Kruze: Paris Lokotui (3), Kimiora Poi (2), Jane Watson (1).

Sunday: Pulse v Mystics at TSB Arena, Wellington

The MG Mystics showed their strength in depth with a commanding 64–51 win over the in-form Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse at Wellington’s TSB Arena, overcoming the absence of star shooter Donnell Wallam and defender Holly Rae.

Rookie shooter Sophia Lafaiali’i impressed with her composure against Silver Fern Kelly Jackson in her first start while Peta Toeava led the attack with vintage sharp links and relentless pace.

Despite a late surge from the Pulse, including defensive changes and attempts to slow the Mystics’ rhythm, the champions maintained control through strong ball movement, clutch super shots, and tight defence, extending their winning streak over the Pulse to four and sending a clear message to the rest of the competition.

Staffy: Michaela Sokolich-Beatson (3) Sophia Lafaiali'i (2), Maddy Gordon (1).
Kruze: Sophia Lafaiali'i (3), Michaela Sokolich-Beatson (2), Parris Mason (1).

Monday: Stars v Magic at Pulman Arena, Auckland

The Magic delivered an attacking masterclass to secure a commanding 71-54 win over Stars in Auckland, completing the double against with back-to-back victories.

From the outset, Magic’s dominant first quarter set the tone, with shooters Saviour Tui and Ameliaranne Ekenasio virtually unstoppable and the team moving the ball with fluidity and precision.

Despite some defensive grit from the Stars, including the introduction of former Silver Fern Kayla Johnson and Monica Falkner’s three super shots, the Magic’s relentless pressure and clinical finishing kept the visitors firmly in control.

The defensive duo of Georgia Tong and Erena Mikaere frustrated the Stars all night, turning over balls and shutting down attacks, while the Stars struggled to find rhythm against a Magic side that kept piling on the points and showed no signs of letting up.

Staffy: Claire O’Brien (3), Saviour Tui (2), Georgia Tong (1).
Kruze: Claire O’Brien (3), Saviour Tui (2), Georgia Tong (1).

The Netties 2025 Leaderboard: