With just one newcomer in their ranks, Central Manawa have named an experienced 12 to guide their fortunes during the 2022 National Netball League (NNL).
With five back from last season and six having previously been involved, Manawatu’s Atareta McCausland-Durie, daughter of Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse coach Yvette McCausland-Durie, is the only newcomer.
From previously being an in-circle defender, McCausland-Durie is continuing her transition and development as a wing defence/centre.
``Most of this team has been part of our programme for a few years now so it’s really good to be able to have that stability,’’ Manawa head coach Anna Andrews-Tasola said.
Defender Parris Mason (Pulse) and shooter Grace Namana (Steel) have both turned out at ANZ Premiership level and add extra starch at both ends of the court for Manawa. The plan now is to further expand the credentials of the talented duo, who are also Pulse training partners.
``The priority for us in regards to both of them is giving them the opportunity to develop and get game-time in different positions as well so they can continue to increase their overall skills and experience,’’ Andrews-Tasola said.
``Even though they’ve had experience playing in the ANZ, this is more about different positionings for them and getting more game time in those positions which they wouldn’t be able to do otherwise.
``In that regard, we’re supporting Grace’s development out at goal attack this year, so she can expand her game and for Parris, it’s giving her quality time at goal defence.’’
Back weaving her special brand of midcourt magic will be Ainsleyana Puleiata, who has become a stalwart of the team after recovering from two major knees surgeries at the ages of 18 and 19 with her speed, power, creativity, vision and deft feeding skills remaining undiminished.
Mindful of the uncertain times, Manawa are taking every precaution to safeguard their involvement in the season ahead.
``It’s going to be another challenge this year with the current environment that we’re in and even though we have named 12, we have a wider squad of 18 training with us, who we will continue to help develop,’’ Andrews-Tasola said.
``We don’t know what’s going to happen with Covid, and if people are going to be out and things like that, we just need to make sure that we have all of our athletes ready to be able to take the court when needed.’’
The full squad of 18 will train together throughout the season for which there will be plenty of help on hand through assistant coaches Emma Weenink, John Atkins and Ngarama Milner-Olsen.
``For us, our main priority is the team’s wellbeing and balancing their netball lives with their study and work while also being fully-committed to this environment, so it’s really important we get that balance right,’’ Andrews-Tasola said.
``And we all have a focus to make sure that we continue to grow and perform when we need to.’’
Manawa are set to open their 2022 campaign with a double-header weekend against the Northern Comets and Mainland on March 5 and 6.
2022 Central Manawa team:
Parris Mason, Renee Matoe, Atareta McCausland-Durie, Sarah McLeod-Venu, Grace Namana, Caitlin O’Sullivan, Jade Poi, Ainsleyana Puleiata, Jazz Scott, Danielle Tafili, Api Taufa, Salote Taufa.