All Whites midfielder Ryan Thomas returns
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Pacific sport 7 minutes ago After much online and media speculation in the weekend, NRL star player Payne Haas finally confirmed his change of allegiance from the Kangaroos to Toa Samoa.
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Australian league poaches New Zealand netballer Whitney Souness
Whitney Souness Photo: Aaron Gillions / Former Silver Ferns midcourter Whitney Souness has become the eighth New Zealand netballer to join the Australian league, after signing with the Sydney-based Giants. Karin Burger on Monday became the fifth Silver Fern to be granted an exemption to play in the 2026 Suncorp Super Netball league, in the wake of Netball New Zealand loosening its eligibility rules. Kelly Jackson, Maddy Gordon and Kate Heffernan will also play across the Tasman, as well as Grace Nweke who is returning for her second season. Former Silver Ferns Te Paea Selby-Rickit and Jane Watson will also play in Australia next year, but as they didn't make themselves available for New Zealand selection, the pair did not need any exemption. Souness, who just missed out on the recent 2025/26 Silver Ferns squad, is in that same camp. Earlier on Tuesday, the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic announced that former Silver Fern captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio would be leaving the franchise. It remains to be seen what Ekenasio plans to do next, but a move to the Australian league could be on the cards. The Lightning still have one spot left to fill - a third goal shooter spot. Australian-born Ekenasio grew up in Queensland. Souness, 29, said she jumped at the opportunity to fulfil a long-held dream. "I want to keep playing for a long time but the age I am now for this type of opportunity, I wasn't sure how much longer I've got so, when it came along, I just had to do it," Souness said. "Obviously, playing in the SSN, you get to play against some of the best-of-the-best and it's a really great comp, so for me personally I just want to expand my skillset and grow my game with it. "And I feel like with a fresh perspective on my netball, a fresh environment and getting exposed to the big Aussie comp is a really good place to be able to do that." Apart from a brief stint at the Magic in 2020, the fleet-footed Souness has been an integral part of the Pulse since 2015. Between Jackson, Gordon and Souness, the Pulse have now lost three players to Australian league. Pulse shooter Tiana Metuarau is also leaving the Wellington based franchise after a number of seasons. RNZ understands the former Silver Fern is heading to the United Kingdom. Souness said it would be a big step up into the rigours of the Australian league. "I'm very nervous but also very excited... it's not just the netball, it's also a life experience and getting that time away from what I'm used to and what I'm comfortable with, you can only grow from being in uncomfortable places." Giants head coach Nerida Stewart said Souness would be a major asset. "Whitney is an incredibly smart and dynamic athlete who brings with her a high level of international experience and a real calmness in pressure moments," Stewart said. "She's someone who can seamlessly link attack and defence, and her ability to control tempo and deliver with precision is exactly what we need to strengthen our midcourt. "We're really looking forward to seeing how she thrives in the Super Netball environment and what she can bring to our group both on and off the court." Souness, who has played 136 national league matches, said the Pulse felt like another home to her. "So, this is kind of bittersweet because the yellow dress has meant everything to me. "It's hard but at the end of the day, it's our job and if we want to grow and get better, sometimes we have to do things we're not too comfortable with all the time." Pulse coach Anna Andrews-Tasola paid tribute to the midcourter. "Beyond her athletic brilliance, Whitney's connection to our community runs deep. "She's been more than a player, she's been a role model, a mentor and a familiar face who's inspired countless young athletes throughout the Central Zone and especially her local Porirua community." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
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10 hours ago
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Warriors forward handed three month ban for dangerous tackle
Despite making their way back into the win column the Warriors have one less thing to be happy about. Warriors forward Jackson Ford has been handed a three match ban after he was sighted for a dangerous tackle last week. It means the side will play out the rest of the regular season without one of its more consistent players as the race for the playoffs tightens up. Sports reporter Bridget Tunnicliffe spoke to Lisa Owen. Tags: To embed this content on your own webpage, cut and paste the following: See terms of use.
