Silver Ferns defensive duo re-signs with Pulse

September 2, 2016

Silver Ferns defensive duo re-signs with Pulse

The Silver Ferns defensive pairing of Katrina Grant and Phoenix Karaka is looking forward to reuniting at the Central Pulse for next year’s inaugural ANZ Netball Elite League.

The popular Grant, who was recently elevated to the Silver Ferns captaincy, has been a regular with the Pulse since 2010 while Karaka made the move to the Capital this year after three seasons with the Southern Steel.

Offering complimentary skill sets, the defensive divas were key signings for the Pulse as the pair looks to build on the dynamic potential which wasn’t fully realised during 2016.

With over 100 ANZ Championship matches under her belt and 81 test caps, the experienced Grant, 29, has built an impressive resume while the athletic Karaka, 22, has all the hallmarks of continuing her development into a quality all-round defender.

``In the end it was an easy decision to stay with the Pulse,’’ Grant said. ``I’ve spent a large chunk of my career here now and I’m excited by the concept of the new league, building a great team environment and getting another opportunity to create a strong defensive partnership with Phoenix.

``We didn’t reach our best this year but I’m excited about our potential as a combination and am looking forward to growing that.’’

Athletic, mobile and strong in the air, the pair can interchange the in-circle defensive positions seamlessly, Karaka also swayed by the opportunity to play alongside Grant again while reacquainting with new coach Yvette McCausland-Durie.

``I really want to develop that connection with Katrina that I know we have but that just wasn't consistent enough this season,’’ Karaka said.

``Also having Yvette as a coach at New Zealand A level a few years back was a very memorable experience for me and I really enjoyed learning from her, so I’m looking forward to teaming up with her again.’’

Off the court, Karaka, from Auckland, also became an enthusiastic admirer of life in Wellington.

``I loved living in Wellington amongst its diverse community this season,’’ she said. ``You won’t see or experience it anywhere else and it's refreshing to be a part of.’’

McCausland-Durie couldn’t be happier after securing the classy defensive package, having no doubts of the potency of both as individuals and as a combination.

``They are high calibre players and I’m delighted to have retained the pair of them for next season,’’ she said.

``They are both dynamic in their athletic ability. Katrina has built a formidable career and developed strong leadership qualities through her experience while Phoenix is continuing to build on her impressive repertoire.

``There’s no doubt they can be developed into a forceful unit and I can’t wait to start working with them.’’

The Pulse now has eight confirmed signings for 2017: Sheridan Bignall, Karin Burger, Ameliaranne Ekenasio, Katrina Grant, Phoenix Karaka, Claire Kersten, Whitney Souness, Cathrine Tuivaiti.

ENDS.

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