New Zealand's trans-Tasman league netball franchises are in the throes of finalising their rosters for next year's competition.
With the October 31 deadline on days away, few places are left open in the five New Zealand franchises.
Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic on Friday confirmed the signing of young midcourter Elias Shadrock, shooter Arahi Wall and newcomer goal attack-wing attack slide Jess Waitapu.
Their roster already includes Silver Ferns Leana de Bruin, Casey Williams, Laura Langman, Sulu Tone-Fitzpatrick and Julianna Naoupu.
Only one spot remains, with the Magic likely to be looking for a robust midcourter to fill the gap left by Frances Solia's retirement.
Southern Steel, in a rebuilding phase after losing long-serving coach Robyn Broughton and a swathe of players at the end of the season, plugged the last gap in their 12-strong squad on Friday in naming New Zealand under-21 defender Storm Purvis.
The 18-year-old Otago University student joins her national under-21 coach Janine Southby, who is co-coaching the Steel along with former Australian international Natalie Avellino.
The Steel line-up features a strong Otago component in Jodi Brown, Te Paea Selby-Rickit, Shannon Francois and Louise Thayer. Also confirmed for 2012 are Wendy Frew, Donna Wilkins, Sheryl Scanlan, Demelza McCloud, Courtney Tairi, Hayley Saunders and Ashleigh Smith.
The Northern Mystics and Central Pulse rosters are complete, while Canterbury Tactix coach Leigh Gibbs says the Christchurch-based franchise has also signed 12 players but will not name them until Monday.
The Tactix, who have already contracted English international shooter Jo Harten, have dispensation to seek a second overseas signing for the 2012 season.
NZN