Promising Queensland Defender Signs On With Pulse

Highly-rated Queensland defender Holly Comyns has jumped at the unexpected opportunity to line up with Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse for next year’s ANZ Premiership netball league.

On the fringes of breaking into top-flight netball after her inclusion in the 2024-25 Australian U19 squad and Queensland Future Firebirds Academy, the 1.9m in-circle defender will move out of home for the first time to broaden her game while looking to inject a bit of Aussie flavour in her new home.

``I was really excited about the opportunity to join the Pulse,’’ Comyns said. ``It did come out of left-field a bit, and I was shocked and speechless, especially after missing time with injury this year, but it gave way to excitement pretty quickly.’’

Born in Brisbane, Comyns has strong New Zealand connections inherited from her Christchurch-born father, who is a Nelson College old boy while also being a prominent basketballer in his younger years, playing for the Nelson Giants and NZ U20s.

With her family ties, Comyns has had previous family visits to Christchurch and is looking forward to experiencing Wellington for the first time and getting acquainted with a new set of team-mates.

At just 19, Comyns shows plenty of drive, already running her own successful coaching business for younger players in fundamental netball skills, fitness, agility and footwork, but is keen to keep expanding her own horizons and development with a new challenge.

``Coming from Australia, I think I bring some of the lessons and habits from the Australian and Queensland pathways,’’ she said. ``Of course, I also bring a fair bit of size, and a love for a good fly for the ball. I also think I can bring my ball skills at the back, to help support the midcourt and our transition play.

``I am really looking forward to testing myself against some great players, both in the Pulse environment and across the ANZ Premiership. I think learning from people like Parris (Mason), Wai (Taumaunu, defence coach) and Anna (Andrews-Tasola, coach) will help take my game to a new level, and allow me to grow as a person, as a player, and become a better netballer.’’

Joining fellow defenders Mason and Madi Thomas, the Pulse will front with a youthful but exciting defensive trio.

``It is a young defence line but there is plenty of promise and potential lying in wait there,’’ Taumaunu said.

``Getting their connections going and putting in the hard work behind the scenes, I’m looking forward to working with them.

``We’re very excited to welcome Holly. She has great credentials, her obvious height, and is a player who will add variety to our defensive mix.’’

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