`Princess Of Porirua’ Signs With GIANTS For 2026 Season

August 19, 2025

Fulfilling a long-held dream, twinkle-toed Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse midcourter Whitney Souness gets her opportunity to match it with the best after signing with the Sydney-based GIANTS for the 2026 Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) league.

A Pulse stalwart for the past decade, Souness, 29, has jumped at the opportunity, thinking her time to experience the SSN might be running thin.

``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,’’ she said. ``So, when it came along, I just had to do it.

``Obviously, playing in the SSN, you get to play against some of the best-of-the-best and it’s a really great comp, so, for me, personally, I just want to expand my skillset and grow my game with it. And I feel like with a fresh perspective on my netball, a fresh environment and getting exposed to the big Aussie comp is a really good place to be able to do that.’’

Blessed with a stunning skillset and probably the best footwork in the New Zealand game, the fleet-footed Souness has been an integral part of the Pulse since 2015, although she did slip away briefly in 2020 to test the waters with the Magic before promptly returning home the following year. She has played 136 national league matches.

A shining light from the pivot’s position of wing attack, Souness has an extensive repertoire in her tool kit, speed off the mark, insightful feeding skills, change of direction off either foot, ability to off-load in the air, disruptive defensive work and an equally strong work ethic, a tailormade package for the rigours of the Australian league.

Affectionately dubbed the Princess of Porirua where she was born and bred, and the city in which she remains deeply embedded, the decision to move to another country was a tough one for the home-loving gal.

``I’m very nervous but also very excited,’’ she said. ``It’s a big thing for me, moving across the ditch because I’m a home body and will miss my family and Blue (her beloved dog) to bits. It’s scary and nerve-racking but I’m excited.

``It’s not just the netball, it’s also a life experience and getting that time away from what I’m used to and what I’m comfortable with, you can only grow from being in uncomfortable places.’’

Reflecting on her 10 seasons with the Pulse, Souness couldn’t have asked for more during a time where her exceptional growth as a player and leader while always remaining grounded have added to her enormous popularity.

``This is home for me and I’ve loved every moment I’ve had to step out to represent home, my family and where netball started for me, it’s special,’’ she said.

``So, this is kind of bittersweet because 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.

``For me, it’s a big step. Anyone who knows me, knows that Pulse is special to me and in my blood. But from my netball perspective, it’s just about how can I play my game, grow my game, see what more I have to give and get to challenge myself in the Aussie league and all the international players that I’ll come across as well.

``I will always, hopefully, be part of the Pulse family and I don’t want to shut that door because things change and this will always be home.’’

Coach Anna Andrews-Tasola is fulsome in her admiration of Souness and what she has added during her long stint with the Pulse.

``After a decade of dedication, resilience and unforgettable moments, we bid a heartfelt farewell to Whitney,’’ she said.

``Whitney began her journey with Pulse in 2015, coming through the Central Zone pathways and quickly establishing herself as a standout talent. Her blistering speed, electric agility and dominance on the line have made her a constant threat on court and a fan favourite across the league.

``Beyond her athletic brilliance, Whitney’s connection to our community runs deep. She’s been more than a player, she’s been a role model, a mentor, and a familiar face who’s inspired countless young athletes throughout the Central Zone and especially her local Porirua community.

``While we’re incredibly excited for the wider netball world to see her world-class skill and athleticism, Whitney will be sorely missed not just by her teammates, but by our entire Pulse whānau and community.’’

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