Ameliaranne Ekenasio of the Central Pulse. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Netball fans can breathe a sigh of relief with the Pulse announcing that former Silver Fern captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio will be playing in next year's ANZ Premiership.
Ekenasio announced last month that she was taking a break from netball and would not make herself available for the Silver Ferns this year.
She admitted that retirement had crossed her mind.
However, Ekenasio is returning to the Pulse after spending four seasons at the Magic.
The 34-year-old, who was born and bred in Australia, crossed the ditch to play for the Pulse in 2015 where she spent six seasons and settled in Wellington.
The Pulse were left reeling with the loss of nine players from this year's roster, as opportunities overseas beckoned.
Stalwarts Kelly Jackson, Maddy Gordon, and Whitney Souness were lured to the Australian league for 2026, while shooter Tiana Metuarau signed up to play in next year's English Super League.
The Pulse, who finished third this year, also lost their season MVP with shooter Amelia Walmsley heading to the South Auckland based Stars next year.
In recent days the Pulse announced that rookie Laura Balmer and former Australian Diamond Gabi Simpson, who was brought in as injury cover, won't be returning.
Shooter Amorangi Malesala, who was initially signed as injury cover early in the Pulse season, has signed with the Tactix for next year.
Experienced wing defence Fa'amu Ioane also won't be returning.
Ekenasio, a mum of two, said she was looking forward to having a permanent home base.
"I am happy to be returning home,'' Ekenasio said. "I'm just looking forward to having my feet on the ground and in one place, so to have the opportunity to be settled and have the support of our family is important.
"The Pulse are a proud club and have a really great training set-up, so I'm just looking forward to going to work, that's when I'm at my best. Being able to have my family settled and at home will be a game-changer. I'm just looking forward to that, it's a bit of a return really to where my career kicked off, so that's exciting.''
Ekenasio hopes her strong work ethic will rub off in a new-look Pulse team.
"I think the best I can commit to is leading by example,'' she said. "I know what it takes to win and to be a high performing athlete and I really love the preparation for that. Once I'm committed to something the obsession with preparation really begins."
The Zone couldn't be happier to welcome the return of Ekenasio to the Pulse fold.
"We're delighted Ameliaranne is returning to her home base and the Pulse,'' Netball central director of high performance Waimarama Taumaunu said.
"She is a quality player who will add tremendous value through her experience, preparation and professionalism. Back at home and with a fresh challenge, we're expecting Ameliaranne to thrive in the environment.''
The Pulse expect to make more announcements in the coming days.
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