Mystics Secure Key Signatures for 2014
LG Northern Mystics are thrilled to announce the signing of four key players for the 2014 ANZ Championship season
including Silver Fern mid-courter Laura Langman.
Twenty seven year old Langman is a key signature for the LG Mystics to bolster their midcourt stocks while captain Maria
Tutaia, Kayla Cullen and Anna Harrison have also confirmed their return to the Auckland based franchise for next season.
LG Mystics CEO Julie Paterson says she’s delighted to have already secured four members of the Mystics team for the 2014
ANZ Championship season.
“We are extremely excited to have Laura join the LG Mystics,” Paterson said.
“It’s a new chapter for her and for us and we look forward to welcoming her into the LG Mystics environment”.
Paterson said signing Langman was integral to their overall plans moving forward.
“She knows all of the players at the LG Mystics having competed with and against them for most of her netball career.
Being able to combine with Maria down the attacking end, and Kayla and Anna in defence gives us some real strength in
the midcourt.”
Langman is widely regarded as the number one mid-courter in the world, recently selected in the ANZ Championship All
Star team as the choice centre from the ten teams.
“I’ve had an amazing tenure at Kia Magic and they will always be family for me, but I just feel it’s the right time to
try something new, open a new chapter in my netball career and give my all to the LG Mystics.”
“I’m really looking forward to playing alongside Maria, Kayla and Anna. It’s an exciting opportunity for me, but I must
admit, it may take a while to get used to wearing blue!” Langman said.
Tutaia’s contract was up for negotiation after the ANZ Championship wrapped up last weekend, so Paterson was keen to
secure her signature as soon as she was able.
“Maria has grown so much over the past 6 months and has shown huge maturity in being able to handle the responsibilities
of being the captain in what has been a challenging year. She is a class act both on and off the court.”
“Coupled with the re-signing of the defensive pairing of Anna, who will return from maternity leave in time for the
pre-season, and Kayla we couldn’t be more happy.”
LG Mystics coach Debbie Fuller is equally excited about what 2014 will bring with such a wealth of talent in her side.
“The aim was to secure our players quickly and we are looking forward to finalising the rest of the team in the near
future.”
“It was important for us to move the process along, so we can start focusing on 2014 with a renewed sense of passion for
the game, the franchise and for what we know we can bring to the table next season. I can’t wait!” Fuller said.
Cullen and Harrison have recommitted to the LG Mystics in what is a big year for both defensive players. Cullen has been
selected in the New Zealand Under 21 side to compete in next month’s World Youth Netball Championships in Scotland. If
reselected for the Silver Ferns, a busy international season awaits with the Constellation Cup, New World Netball
Series, Fast5 and the Silver Ferns tour of England early next year.
Harrison too, is busy on the home front expecting her first child next month.
ends