An apparent falling-out at the Southern Steel netball side has seen Australian Natalie Avellino depart her role as assistant coach.
In a statement, the Steel says the coaching relationship between head coach Janine Southby and her assistant is no longer tenable and Avellino has finished with the franchise.
The franchise will investigate additional coaching support for the rest of the trans-Tasman championship season.
The Steel has won only one of its four matches this year.