The coach of the Southern Steel has questioned why two main rivals have been allowed to play a practice game against each other, on the only court being used in the revamped ANZ Premiership.
The Northern Mystics and Northern Stars enjoyed a hit out at the Auckland Netball Centre on Friday morning, and that left Steel coach Reinga Bloxham frustrated.
The Invercargill-based side gearing up for their first match against the Mainland Tactix next weekend - which will take place in Auckland.
"Definitely didn't think we'd have to travel to Auckland to play the Tactix," Bloxham told Newshub.
But the weekly commute north isn't the only disadvantage for the Steel, and other non-Auckland based sides are facing.
The Mystics and Stars, Friday morning clash is a luxury their competition aren't afforded.
"Our closest opponent is the Tactix and logistically that just isn't going to work," said Bloxham.
"It's also an advantage to be able to train on the court we're going to be playing on."
But Bloxham and her side are taking a different approach.
"It is what it is. It's just one of those other things we're dealing with.
"I think with the way we've been challenged this year, it will make everyone look at the structures and decide if it is fair and equal."
But for now, the Steel is fully focused on the task at hand and determined to leave it all out on court come next weekend.
