Porirua’s own Whitney Souness, affectionately known as the “Princess of Porirua,” has signed with the Sydney-based GIANTS for the 2026 Suncorp Super Netball season, marking a bold new chapter in the star midcourter’s career.
After a decade with Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse, the 29-year-old says the chance to play in Australia’s elite league was too good to pass up.
“I want to keep playing for a long time but at the age I am now, I wasn’t sure how much longer I’ve got,” Souness said. “So, when it came along, I just had to do it.”
Renowned for her sharp footwork, pinpoint feeds and quick decision-making, Souness has played 136 national league games and been a mainstay for Pulse since 2015, apart from a brief stint with the Magic in 2020.
Her move comes with mixed emotions. While she’s excited about facing off against the best in the Australian league, the tight-knit Porirua local admits the transition won’t be easy.
“I’m very nervous but also very excited,” she said. “It’s a big thing for me, moving across the ditch because I’m a home body and will miss my family and Blue [her dog] to bits. But you can only grow from being in uncomfortable places.”
Souness says the yellow Pulse dress will always be part of her identity. “This is home for me and I’ve loved every moment I’ve had to step out to represent home, my family and where netball started for me,” she said.
Coach Anna Andrews-Tasola paid tribute to Souness’s legacy, describing her as more than just a star on court.
“Whitney’s been a role model, a mentor, and a familiar face who’s inspired countless young athletes, especially in Porirua,” Andrews-Tasola said. “Her blistering speed, electric agility and dominance on the line made her a fan favourite across the league. She will be sorely missed by our entire Pulse whānau and community.”
While Souness is set to test herself against international competition in 2026, she says she’ll always carry a piece of Porirua with her, and hopes the Pulse door remains open.