Saturday 16 September 2017 11:10, UK
Karen Greig says Sara Bayman and Helen Housby were top of her list when seeking the star names for the Manchester Thunder squad and the Fast5 All Stars.
The tournament gets underway on September 23, with the draw live on Sportswomen on Sky Sports News from 11.30am on Tuesday, and it's the attraction of some big names that has captured the imagination.
While some of the franchises have targeted the southern hemisphere's finest, last year's Superleague semi-finalists have turned to a couple of familiar faces with no shortage of connections to the area.
"As soon as the tournament said 'star players' we had a list of who we wanted and said 'let's get them back'," Greig told Sky Sports.
"They are Thunder girls, north-west girls and Manchester girls so the fact they are back in the black in yellow - they are super excited and the squad is pleased to have them around."
Former Thunder captain Bayman and development squad product Housby spent last year playing in the Australian and New Zealand domestic leagues for the 2017 season., leaving Thunder for the exciting chance to play in the ANZ Championship.
Having featured for England in the recent Quad Series and Taini Jamison Trophy, they will switch their focus back to club commitments and a return to the Thunder to link-up with Greig and the squad ahead of the O2 showpiece.
"It's so exciting to have them back," Greig added.
"Sara will be solid in the middle for us and as a passionate player who can attack and defend she will be important.
"Our centre court players will have a big ask on them without the support of the wings so I have gone for players who I know are super fit."
The Fast5 All-Stars Championship features new innovations including the double-point Power Play, three different scoring zones and quickfire 12-minute matches, so Housby's long range shooting could prove pivotal.
Grieg said: "We have all seen Helen put up shots from all over the circle so we are hoping she has been practising the big five-pointers!"
Eight teams will compete in a double elimination group stage for a spot in the semi-finals while the eventual winners will take home £25,000.
Catch all the action from the Fast5 All-Stars Championship, live on Sky Sports Mix from 5pm and Sky Sports Action from 5.30pm next Saturday
Tickets for the British Fast5 All-Stars Championship are available now from www.theo2.co.uk and start from just £20 with group tickets available priced from £60 for four adults. VIP Courtside tickets are available for £150 from www.fast5allstars.com
