The new ANZ Premiership season is barely two weeks old, but Northern Stars are in the midst of an personnel crisis.
Runners-up in the past two seasons, the Stars haven't had the best start to their campaign, but three consecutive losses on the trot has been the least of their worries.
"It's a bit like musical seats or musical bibs," said captain Maia Wilson. "It's been a bit of a wild ride."
After having several foundation players leave last year, the side knew they were rebuilding, but that went a step further, as they lost player after player to injury or pregnancy.
"We're about 40-50 percent down every game in terms of what we expected to have," said coach Kiri Wills.
Since the domestic competition started, the side have had 12 players take the court, with even some of their training partners getting the call up.
"The most I was hoping for was to be able to sit on the bench for the Stars, let alone get on," sais shooter Summer Temu. "I've even started for one of the games, which was a surprise."
Despite their lack of experience, the young Stars have shown they are ready to shine.
"We've got 18-19 year olds who have just left school out on court doing the damage against Silver Ferns and centurions," said Wills.
Wilson isn't listening to any outside noise.
"I dont care what they say, as long as we are solid in ourselves, that's all I'm happy for," she said.
The Stars hope for their first solid win this weekend against fellow winless side Southern Steel.
