Exciting Stars Men's Squad Named For 2025 Mystics Series

Stars Men's coach Junior Manapori and has named an exciting squad full of experience and rising talent for this year's annual series with the Mystics' Men.

It will be the fourth year the series has taken place since its inception in 2022, with three games scheduled for 2025. Game one will be at Pulman Arena on June 30th, game two at Trusts Arena on July 7th and the final game also at Trusts Arena on July 13th.

Manapori says the mantra for this year's squad will be about being “Better Than Before” Our team to be powerful and making a strong impact on court.

“I’m super excited and confident in the group we’ve selected. We’ve had some changes in personnel and that’s been an awesome way to look at what this year’s group can bring. We’re really excited with the players we have both young and experienced." Manapori said.

Dynamic shooters Maru Delamere, Stan Smith and Manase Vaka return from last season, with Ryan Grima also adding spark.

The mid-court is made up of Stefan Mateariki, Lucas Cook, Tayne Springer and Tyrah Wineera-Lauagiagi, with Maekara Mauriohooho and Kevin Bell the new injections.

“Maekara is a very smart player and brings a calmness on attack, connects well with those around him and is strong in the air.”

“Kevin has come from the Mystics but is a local from South Auckland. Kevin comes from a strong netball pedigree, he is a wily player with massive knowledge, netball experience and knows how to win." It’s great to see Kevin coming back home to represent Stars, Manapori explained.

Tanekohurangi Apaapa, Te Manawapa Moorehead, Logan Assink and Matthew Davis will command the defensive end in the absence of stalwarts and defensive juggernauts Timothy Apisai and Dan Rich.

“Timmy and Dan have been the cornerstone to our defensive end over the last few years and while you can’t replace that experience, I’m confident in the players we’ve got who will rise to the occasion and work really hard in the time we have leading up to the series.” Manapori added.

One person who will be looking to give the Stars Men a defensive edge will be Silver Ferns legend Anna Harrison, who has joined the team as a defensive specialist coach.

Manapori believes Harrison will be a huge asset to the side.

“She took a defensive session for us last year and it was great to connect with her and see if she’d consider joining the men’s programme as our specialist coach. She was excited to be given the opportunity to be part of the Stars Men this year. We’re really lucky that we can have her on board with her experience, game sense and strong work ethics”

Natalie Milicich returns as an assistant coach and will support our mid-court and defence.

Heading into the fourth year as a team, Manapori is encouraged by the opportunities that continue to be presented to his players after showcasing their talents on the court as Stars.

“Lucas Cook, Logan Assink and Tane Apaapa have been selected in the Net Blacks team to face Fiji in their series in August, so we’re really lucky that we have young players making their way through the systems as well and getting their first experience with the Net Blacks."

A further two players will be added to the squad before the series begins.

2025 Stars Men's Squad:

SHOOTERS
Maru Delamere
Manase Vaka
Stan Smith
Ryan Grima

MID-COURTERS
Maekara Mauriohooho
Stefan Mateariki
Lucas Cook
Tayne Springer
Tyrah Wineera-Lauagiagi
Kevin Bell

DEFENDERS
Tanekohurangi Apaapa
Te Manawapa Moorehead
Logan Assink
Matthew Davis

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