This Saturday Severn Stars face off against two-time champions Saracens Mavericks in Nottingham at the Motorpoint Arena in the Netball Super League.
Jo Trip’s side recently played their first game in front of the Stars crowd in a preseason friendly against Loughborough Lightning.
Stars also played friendlies against men’s netball team in order to gain fitness and cohesion on the pitch due to a newly created team.
Last time the two sides met Stars were defeated 58-44 however, this new side will be looking to start the campaign off strongly.
Stars have recently signed Loughborough Lighting Goalkeeper Jess Haynes to strengthen their squad for the 2023 season.
The 21-year-old gave her overview on the Stars pre-season performances.
“I think we’ve done really well, we’re all really excited, it is a new team, but we’ve gelled really well.”
“Training’s been hard, but we’ve all got stuck in 100%, we’ve got this saying this season ‘one in all in’ and I think it’s a real motto for us this year, we give our 100% no matter what that is on the day.”
READ MORE: Check out the latest on our Park Life Sport live blog!
Haynes has settled in well and wants to show the Stars’ fans that they are a rejuvenated team and ready for anything
“We want to go out there and show what we are, show that we’re not the ‘old’ stars – we’re completely brand new, I think we want to up step people a little bit, I think people won’t really expect what we have got coming so we want to put our mark out there and really take it and grab it.”
With Mavericks as the season opener, Haynes is optimistic towards the encounter, and suggests that focus is the key.
“We’re feeling confident, feeling ready and raring to go, we’re focused on what we’ve got to do, we are going to analyse and see what they’re going to so but mostly we focus and learn, and do what we do.”
Former player Trip has come out of retirement to become a player/coach for the Stars, Haynes shows a lot of admiration for the 32-year-old.
“I think she’s an amazing player and coach, I’m so grateful that she’s my coach this year, when she reached out to me it was an honour, I was very happy especially as a defender myself that she’s a defensive coach.”
“I think even with the attacking she’s got such great knowledge that she knows what’s best for them, I’m very excited.”
Stars begin their new era in the Super League on Saturday February 11th with FCP at 14:30.
