Cathrine Latu has confirmed she’ll be back with the SKYCITY Mystics in 2016. Latu, who was the most-accurate goal shooter (93.8%) in the ANZ Championship this season, is the only player to have been with the Auckland-based side since the league started in 2008.

“Cathrine brings experience, attacking prowess and accuracy,” says the SKYCITY Mystics coach Debbie Fuller. “She’s a ‘team first’ player and has added something to her game every year.

“Cat’s focus going forward is all about being a better player and enjoying the challenge”

Latu was a high-profile omission from the Silver Ferns side named for next month’s World Cup in Sydney. But she says her sights are firmly set now on what’s ahead.

“The past month has been a rollercoaster for me,” she says. “Emotionally, it was one of the hardest times I’ve been through. The decision to stay and play for the SKYCITY Mystics, however, came quite easily.

“This region – and the people in it – have been hugely supportive of me over the years. That is a massive part of why I want to play a ninth season with the side.

“I am fiercely loyal and have never been handed more of a reason to make a difference to the team”.

All signings in the ANZ Championship need to be completed by August 28, with further SKYCITY Mystics announcements to be made in due course.

2016 SKYCITY Mystics squad announced to date:

• Temalisi Fakahokotau
• Serena Guthrie
• Cathrine Latu
• Nadia Loveday