Kristiana Manu’a is the first off-season announcement with the original GIANT set to depart the club for New Zealand.
The 25-year-old defender has made the decision to return to New Zealand to play for the Central Pulse in the ANZ Premiership competition.
Manu’a started her netball career across the ditch, playing for the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic under the watchful eye of Julie Fitzgerald.
The Liverpool junior returned to Australia alongside Fitzgerald and fellow Magic teammates Jo Harten and Jamie-Lee Price and was one of four inaugural GIANTS who represented the club this season.
After missing the opening three games due to injury, Manu’a took the court on nine occasions in 2021 as an important part of the minor premiers defensive end.
“I’m excited for this new opportunity to go to the Pulse to continue to work on the defensive side of my game and hopefully get some more court time,” said Manua’a.
“Even though it was a difficult decision, I think it’s the best one for me and my career.
“I’m super grateful for the time I’ve had at the GIANTS and am so appreciative of everything Julie and the coaching staff have taught me.
“Thank you to my teammates for being supportive and I know this group will do amazing things in the future.
“To the members and fans over the past five years, you will always hold a special place in my heart.
“I’m excited for 2022 and to see what I can achieve across the ditch.”
Coach Julie Fitzgerald said she is sad to lose someone of Manu’a’s character and the leadership of her vice-captain.
“I’ve coached Kris for eight years and whilst I’ll miss having her in my side, I completely understand her decision and desire to return to New Zealand,” said Fitzgerald.
“The role and contribution Kris makes to this team goes far beyond what most would see.
“I wanted nothing more than to give Kris more court time this year and she is too good of a player to sit on the bench.
“I thank Kris for all that she has given to this team. She’ll be a GIANT for life and we wish her all the best over in New Zealand for this next chapter.”
Netball Australia, Suncorp Super Netball Clubs and ANPA are in the final stages of negotiations for the CPA/TPA for the next phase of the competition.
GIANTS Netball will make further announcements regarding their 2022 playing roster in the coming weeks.
