Pulse Striving To Unlock Their Potential Against Mystics

Consistency sits front and centre for Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse in their key Round 5 ANZ Premiership netball league outing against the Mystics in Porirua on Saturday evening.

Competitive for large chunks, one poor quarter in each of their last three matches has cost the Pulse big time on the points table. They have proven good finishers but have often left their run too late and now, the ability to string the pieces together for a full 60 minutes takes on extra importance.

From young players just starting out on their elite level careers to those thinking injury had ruined their chances to those with just more personal agendas, the Pulse is a team chock-full of players with a point to prove. And one of those is midcourter Ainsleyana Puleiata, one cog in a diverse mix of styles and credentials which collectively has taken a little time to find its groove.

``I was a bit nervous coming in (this year), there was so much uniqueness to the team and I was wondering how I could contribute and how we could play together but it has been fun and it’s so good to have a variety of skilled players and styles to go up against at training,’’ Puleiata said.

``It’s exciting. I look forward to every training and every game knowing what we’re capable of.

``I think at the moment everyone is a bit frustrated. We know we can do better, and it’s now just about executing the final little piece. That frustration for everyone is adding to the fire in the belly to show we care about it, that we want to win, want to keep each other accountable and that we are increasing our performance ahead of the outcome.’’

Defined by her resilient spirit, which mirrors others in the team, Puleiata, 25, has battled well-documented and lengthy injury disruption during her short career after suffering three anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures in six years (2017 – 2023).

At the tail end of last season, Puleiata completed the last piece of an arduous but eventual triumphant return when given her opportunity with an eye-catching finish to the Pulse’s campaign from the relatively new position of wing defence. She can comfortably play all three midcourt positions.

``In the build-up to my return to play, I actually didn’t think I would get there. I just focussed on working hard. Getting a starting spot isn’t handed out on a silver plate, you’ve got to earn it,’’ she said.

``So, last year I was lucky to be up against the likes of Fa’amu Muliaga (nee Ioane), Whitney Souness and Maddy Gordon who really pushed me to reach my potential. Given the opportunity last year to make the starting seven, at home, was such a special moment for me and from there, I have just tried to play my heart out.

``Those opportunities have kept coming (being a starter so far this year) but with that the work keeps increasing. Being able to do that last year and then filter into this year is quite a blessing and I’m grateful but I’ve just got to keep working hard.

``There’s still people coming through who want this position, so it’s not an easy road and I know I’ve got to lock in every training, listen to feedback and incorporate everything into my game to keep growing and take nothing for granted.’’

Still learning the subtleties of wing defence, Puleiata adds the craft of her attacking background to the role with her strong carries through court, ball-handling skills and speed but is pushing for more.

``I feel like I can do a lot better,’’ she said. ``I just need to trust that everyone is doing their job and that I do mine. For me, I worry a bit about what everyone else is doing, so if I just do own my job, take care of my player, look for any lifted ball and don’t be the worry person at the front of the defence line it’s a better outcome.

``We’ve had some amazing moments in the previous games, and now coming up against the Mystics it’s about being consistent for the whole 60 minutes.’’

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