Stars foundation player Kayla Johnson. Photo: © Photosport Ltd 2017 www.photosport.nz
The Stars will be without up and coming midcourter Greer Sinclair for the rest of the ANZ Premiership season with scans confirming the worst after their season-opener against the Mystics.
Sinclair didn't even get through a quarter of netball in the 2025 season and was one of three Stars players who had to be helped off the court in their 71-55 loss to the Mystics on Sunday.
The Stars have confirmed Sinclair ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee and would miss the remainder of the season.
She will undergo surgery before working towards a return to the court in 2026.
On Sunday the Stars exhausted all their bench options and just like that were facing an injury crisis after round one of the domestic season.
Defender Kate Burley, who had to hobble off the court in the third quarter, has suffered an injury to her left foot and will be assessed week to week.
Burley will continue to be monitored and follow return to play protocols.
The franchise said Australian shooter Charlie Bell, who had to come off near the end of the game, suffered a mild ankle and calf sprain.
Bell is tracking positively towards Sunday's game against the Tactix and will need to clear return to play protocols.
Greer Sinclair. Photo: Photosport / Blake Armstrong
Stars foundation player Kayla Johnson will join the team as injury cover, having last worn the Stars dress during the 2022 season.
Johnson filled in for the Mystics last year when they were hit by injuries.
The Stars already had to bring in replacement player Tori Kolose for the first few games for Samon Nathan as she recovers from injury.
Franchises are already having to get creative to cover injuries.
When the Steel lost to the Tactix 57-50 on the weekend they had to call on their assistant coach Liana Leota, with Kate Heffernan carrying a knee injury.
The 40-year-old did not look out of place when she spent 10 minutes on court and the former Silver Fern may be called on again with Heffernan out for at least another couple of weeks.
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