Ekenasio praised for her ‘courage’

Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua says national captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio is courageous for asking for help and supports her break from netball.

The two-time defending champion Central Pulse will be without their captain for the start of the national netball premiership today.

In a post on Instagram last month, Ekenasio said she had been struggling mentally and was seeing a therapist.

Pulse chief executive Fran Scholey confirmed that she remained on “extended medical leave” as a result of fatigue.

Taurua said it had not come as a surprise.

“We’ve been working with Ameliaranne over about a month.

“Taking a rest is a positive for her so we fully support her and also the Pulse and the action that has been taken,” Taurua said.

“She’s not immune to those things that a lot of other people do suffer so I think it’s a really positive thing within our sport that we do recognise that athletes are people first and foremost and whatever’s required for them to be the best we will do that.”

Taurua said Ekenasio should be commended for being honest about her need for a rest.

“I think it’s courageous and just probably demonstrates the strength of the woman and we know that she will be back on court so having this rest now can only be good for her, the Pulse and also the Silver Ferns.”

Taurua is confident Ekenasio will be on court for the Pulse this year.

“Definitely you will see her out there and when the topic was approached a couple of weeks ago that was made clear by Ameliaranne. The action that has been taken gives her that rest and allows her time to come back whenever she is ready.”