New Zealand Netballer Whitney Souness Joins Australian Giants

Whitney Souness, a former midcourter for the Silver Ferns, has signed with the Sydney Giants, marking her as the eighth New Zealand netball player to join the Australian league. This decision comes after Netball New Zealand relaxed its eligibility rules, allowing players like Souness to pursue opportunities in the Suncorp Super Netball league without the previous constraints.

On Monday, fellow Silver Ferns player Karin Burger was granted an exemption to play in the 2026 Suncorp Super Netball league, further highlighting the trend of New Zealand players crossing the Tasman. Besides Souness, other notable players making the leap include Kelly Jackson, Maddy Gordon, Kate Heffernan, and Grace Nweke, who is returning for her second season in Australia. Former Silver Ferns Te Paea Selby-Rickit and Jane Watson will also compete in Australia next year, as they opted out of New Zealand selection, eliminating the need for an exemption.

Souness, 29, expressed enthusiasm about the move, stating, “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.” She acknowledged the competitive nature of the Suncorp Super Netball league, emphasizing the chance to enhance her skills in a new environment.

Having been a key player for the Pulse since 2015, aside from a brief stint at the Magic in 2020, Souness’s departure marks a significant transition for the Wellington-based franchise. The Pulse has now lost three players to the Australian league, with Tiana Metuarau also set to leave for the United Kingdom after several seasons.

Souness is aware of the challenges ahead, stating, “I’m very nervous but also very excited… it’s not just the netball, it’s also a life experience.” She views this move as an opportunity for personal growth, as she steps out of her comfort zone into the more demanding environment of Australian netball.

Giants head coach Nerida Stewart praised Souness’s abilities, saying, “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 highlighted Souness’s skill in linking attack and defense, noting that her presence would significantly strengthen the Giants’ midcourt.

Reflecting on her time with the Pulse, Souness shared, “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.” Her connection to the community was also underscored by Pulse coach Anna Andrews-Tasola, who stated, “Beyond her athletic brilliance, Whitney’s connection to our community runs deep.”

As Souness embarks on this new chapter with the Sydney Giants, the implications of her move extend beyond personal ambition. It signifies a notable trend of New Zealand players pursuing opportunities in Australia, reshaping the landscape of netball in both countries.