The GIANTS are delighted to announce that Whitney Souness will captain the club’s Suncorp Super Netball side in 2026.
A newcomer to the GIANTS for the 2026 season, the experienced New Zealand midcourter has wasted no time in impressing her new teammates who have voted her to lead the way and become just the club’s fourth ever captain.
The 30-year-old’s added responsibility comes as she prepares for her first season in orange and charcoal, with Souness making the move across the Tasman following a decorated career in New Zealand’s ANZ Premiership, most recently starring for the Central Pulse.
Also representing the Silver Ferns on the international stage since 2017, Souness has long been recognised as one of New Zealand’s most exciting midcourters and will be a major asset for the GIANTS in 2026.
Souness said she was honoured to join such an illustrious list of athletes to captain this club.
“It means everything to me. Moving to Sydney was a big move for me so getting the captaincy role is huge,” she admitted.
“Not only does it mean a lot for me, but also for my family back at home.
“Also, for my teammates. I’ve only known them for a little amount of time but being able to build connection really fast and being able to lead them now is really special and a role I don’t take lightly - I’m very grateful.”
The popular new leader said her leadership style focuses on fostering a collaborative people-first environment.
“I’m all about others and all about serving people first,” she said.
“It’s about making sure everyone is ok and that off the court we are good to go so that on the court we can perform our best.
“I’m really about people and the people that we bring in and surround ourselves with and the energy that we have in the group, so that would be my number one thing [as a leader].”
Souness added that she is looking forward to leading the team alongside Amy Sligar, with the emerging star voted as the team’s vice-captain for the first time in 2026.
“Amy is awesome and I’m super excited to see her grow in this position as well and for both of us to learn off each other.”
The Kiwi international said she’s excited about what a new-look GIANTS side could achieve in 2026 as she prepares for her debut SSN season.
“We’ve been working really hard and I feel really positive with this group and where we can go.
“People will see how much we love playing with each other…and if we go together as one then we can do some really great things.
“Our group is young but I think we have a point to prove, to each other.”
GIANTS head coach Nerida Stewart said Souness was a unanimous and natural choice to lead the club into the 2026 Suncorp Super Netball season.
“From the moment Whitney arrived, she’s earned the full trust and respect of the playing group through her professionalism, high standards, and the genuine way she connects with her teammates,” Stewart said.
“She brings a calm, composed presence into our environment and her experience across her career to date will give her the skills required to lead this team moving forward.
“There’s real confidence within the group in Whitney’s ability to lead, and we’re incredibly excited to see her step into the role in 2026 as she continues to shape the culture and direction of our program, both on and off the court.”
The GIANTS will open their 2026 campaign on Saturday, March 14 when they take on the Melbourne Mavericks at Red Energy Arena in Bendigo.
