The GoSweetSpot Mystics are taking their pre season up a level as they prepare to jet off to Queensland next week to take on some of Australia’s best, the Firebirds and Lightning.

With the Suncorp Super League due to start a month before the ANZ Premiership, the Mystics will face intense competition from opposition sides who are slightly further ahead in their season preparation.

And with familiar faces gracing both Australian sides, including 2025 Mystics Shooter, Donnell Wallem at the Lightning, it will be a chance to play against the uncomprising Australian style, and to reconnect with former team mates.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome the Northern Mystics to Nissan Arena for what promises to be a fantastic pre-season clash and exactly the type of high-quality preparation both teams need. Having Te Paea, Maddy and Kelly now in the purple dress adds a special connection to this match-up, and I’m excited to see them showcase their talents against such strong ANZ Premiership opposition” says Firebirds Coach, Kiri Wills.

Another coach excited about the prospect of a Trans Tasman clash is Lightning Coach, Belinda Reynolds, “The opportunity to compete against a team with a different style of play and a diverse group of players is something we welcome. Adapting to these challenges will enable us to grow, sharpen and test our own combinations. We are excited to host the Mystics and look forward to a great contest.”

Mystics Assistant Coach, Rob Wright, is clear on exactly what the Mystics need to achieve from these two matches, “The upcoming matches against the Firebirds and Lightning provides us with a great opportunity to continue to build our systems and test the changes we have introduced in a preseason so far. This will give us some great insights into what we are doing well and those areas that need further work. This trip to Queensland is vital to our upcoming campaign.”

Retaining it’s core team from the 2025 season, as well as gaining the experience and fire power of Silver Ferns defender Phoenix Karaka and shooter Maia Wilson; this trip to Queensland will give the Mystics the opportunity to strengthen connections both on and off court prior to the start of the 2026 ANZ Premiership campaign.

The Mystics are thankful to long term sponsor Peter Thompson of Barfoot & Thompson for helping to make this preseason a reality.

“Barfoot & Thompson Ltd is proud to support the Northern Mystics as they travel to Australia for their vital pre-season campaign. We are excited to play a small part in helping them get the best possible preparation for the season ahead. We wish the team and management all the very best for their pre-season matches in Australia and look forward to cheering them on when they return home” say Thompson.

Match details:
Firebirds v Mystics, Thursday 26 th February, 6pm (9pm NZT)
Lightning v Mystics, Saturday 28 th February, 11am (2pm NZT)