Young Pulse `keeper Up For The Challenge

Tender in years but keen to maximise her netball potential, defender Holly Comyns had no qualms about crossing the ditch to join a new-look Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse this season.

Luckily, Comyns is easily adaptable to change, in a few short years, the strapping 1.88m last line of defence has gone from scorer to custodian, and now, in her first move out of home, to being the baby of the Pulse team while also being the 2026 ANZ Premiership’s youngest player.

Coming through the Queensland pathways, Comyns was originally a shooter before being moved to the opposite end of the court and taking up residence in a defensive bib. Over recent seasons, Comyns has been part of the Australian U17 and U19 squads, but a broken fibula and dislocated ankle while playing at the national championships caused her to miss all of last season.

As a result, the Pulse opportunity came somewhat of the blue but the 20-year-old is determined to make the most of her first experience of elite level netball.

``Ever since I’ve been here I have felt so much a part of this group but being the youngest player, too, it was pretty scary to come over, initially,’’ she said.

``It’s been a pretty big role, I guess, stepping in here this year, coming off a year of not playing and knowing I had a big task ahead of me here. But I’ve been putting everything I have into it and have been fired up ever since I got that call (to join the Pulse), so it’s been really good.

``It’s still pretty crazy when I think that I’m here doing this. It’s been super welcoming and positive energy every day when we’re together. I’m getting very close with all the girls and I wouldn’t change it for anything.’’

With Kiwi Dad, Jamie, providing the heritage, his Brisbane-born daughter Holly is now eligible for both New Zealand and Australia and keen to get any drop of experience she can muster in her fledgling career.

Born in Christchurch, Jamie is a Nelson College old boy who was a prominent basketballer in his younger years, playing for the Nelson Giants in the NBL and NZ U20s before moving to Australia.

``This is my first time in Wellington as all my family’s down in Christchurch,’’ Comyns said. ``But it’s been special having them here as they’re always flying up and down and I have seen them often which is really good.

``They’re so proud that I’m playing here and it’s a great feeling to be able to play in front of my family, and my dad is, obviously, pretty proud that I’m playing here where he started his journey.’’

Comyns’ parents were court-side for the Pulse’s first three games of the season and have since tuned in from a packed Brisbane lounge for the others, sending regular videos and photos of family and friends in attendance.

Struggling to get their game working on all cylinders, the Pulse have been on the receiving end of a string of narrow losses in recent weeks, with Comyns pitted against some seasoned shooters in the form of Maia Wilson, Aliyah Dunn and Amelia Walmsley.

``It’s tough…..it’s so tough out there,’’ she said. ``Coming from playing reserve grade in Australia, this is definitely a change in game. It’s way more physical coming up against these girls here but I love it. I love the challenge and it’s been so good for me in building my performance.

``I’ve come up against a few girls who have completed 50, 100 and 150 matches in the ANZ and I’m only up to my fifth, but I’ll take on the challenge every week……I’m loving it.’’

With the second half of the league getting underway this weekend, the Pulse face a re-match with the Steel in Wellington on Sunday, seeking a change in fortune.

``The close games are a killer,’’ Comyns said. ``We know what we’re in for against the Steel, so it’s just heads down at training this week and hopefully get that positive result on Sunday.

``It’s definitely hard losing but you’ve just got to keep holding your head up high and keep working hard. As a team that’s happening, we’re pushing each other, holding our togetherness and positivity to get that breakthrough.’’

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