The former Silver Fern Marg Foster is joining the Southern Steel next year after being confirmed as assistant coach to Robyn Broughton.
Foster took the Canterbruy Flames to three national finals against Steel's predecessor, the Southern Sting - even playing for them in the 2001 clash.
She's filling a vacancy created after this year's assistant Donna Wilkins decided to play again next year.
Foster says the Steel's squad has the firepower to win the trans-Tasman Championship.
As well as Wilkins it features Daneka Wipiiti, Julianna Naoupu, Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickit, Adine Wilson, Liana Barrett-Chase, Wendy Telfer, Erika Burgess, Sheryl Scanlan, Katrina Grant and Megan Hutton.
After the retirement of midcourter Jenny-May Coffin last week, a 12th player will be confirmed shortly.