Christian Cullen Management Group Announcement

Christian Cullen Management Group Announcement

SILVER Fern Katrina Grant is the latest high profile sports star to entrust her career to All Blacks great Christian Cullen.

The Wellington Pulse skipper inked her deal with the fast-growing Christian Cullen Management Group last night.

She joins a stable of sports personalities which include Wellington Phoenix and All Whites coach Ricki Herbert, five-time World Hockey Player of the Year Jamie Dwyer, top NZ archer Micky Gunn, champion jockey Lisa Allpress, decorated horse trainer Michael Pittman and Hurricanes assistant coach – former All Black Alama Ieremia.

“I’ve never been involved with a management company before but as soon as I had a chat to Christian I knew this was the company for me,” Grant said.

“I wanted to align myself with a group of people who I could identify with and who I knew wouldn’t treat me like just another of a large group of people on their books.”

“They are a boutique company - they limit the amount of people they represent to ensure they can focus on maximising any opportunities that come up for their athletes.”

“And because of the people involved, the company gives off a natural mentoring and supportive vibe.”

Cullen said CCMG and Grant were a natural fit.

“Katrina is ambitious, professional and has the types of personal values that we think are important,” he said.

“We are selective about the people we align ourselves with and Katrina, clearly, ticks all the right boxes.

“She has a big year ahead of her with the captaincy of the Pulse.

“It’s our job now to make sure that she can focus solely on that role and help the Pulse reach the ANZ Championship post-season for the first time in the franchise’s history.”

Grant (25), who’s CV includes a gold medal from the 2010 Commonwealth Games and a silver medal from last year’s World Netball Championships, is already focusing on the Pulse’s ANZ Championship start against the Thunderbirds in Adelaide on March 24.

“Everyone on the outside looking in on the Pulse seemed really happy without a placed finish in the ANZ championship this year,” she said.

“But the players wanted and expected more out of the year.”

“We have made big strides from the dark days when the team couldn’t win a game in this competition - but those strides aren’t big enough yet.”

“With the recruitments that we have made we should be good enough to reach the playoffs – that has to be the goal.”

“And as the captain I am very aware that I need to lead the team by example.”

“So there is a bit of hard work ahead for me and I’m looking forward to it.”

“From a personal point of view, knowing that Christian Cullen and his team have my back, allows me to focus fully on my progression as a netballer.”

“That’s why I am so happy to be a part of CCMG.”

“I have no doubt the Pulse – and hopefully the Silver Ferns – will see the benefits.”

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