Former Silver Fern Jodi Brown has been named Southern Steel skipper for the upcoming trans-Tasman netball season.
The shooter, who is returning to action after taking a year off because of the birth of her second child, has previous captaincy experience with Otago.
She will be part of a leadership group that also includes Australian Demelza McCloud, and former Ferns Donna Wilkins and Sheryl Scanlan.
"I've got a good team and lots of talkers behind me," she said.
"While I may not be a talker on the court, I certainly have my say off it. I try to lead more by example than by words."
The Steel have a new look about them this season, and not just because they have changed their uniforms to a different shade of blue.
They have rookie co-coaches Janine Southby and Natalie Avellino in charge and seven fresh faces in the squad.
"I think we're a bit of an unknown and some people are underestimating us a bit, which is great for us," Brown said.
"We know within our group we have the potential to be a great team and we will surprise."
NZN