Tuivaiti replaces Wilson at Pulse

The Central Pulse shooting circle is getting a shake-up.

Cathrine Tuivaiti is heading south for the inaugural national netball league, replacing teenage shooting sensation Maia Wilson.

It’s not known where Wilson is heading as yet, but the new Auckland team is a likely destination.

Tuivaiti will join Ameliaranne Ekenasio in the Pulse shooting circle, and is one of six players to have committed to the Wellington based side.

‘‘I know that it’s something I need to do to better myself and my netball,’’ Tuivaiti said of the move to a new franchise.

‘‘The time had just come where I needed to branch out and do something different with some different people. I’m hoping to learn some new things about netball and hopefully about myself, and I feel that (the Pulse) is the place to do it.’’

Three of the Pulse’s finest from 2016 are yet to sign on for the 2017 season, with captain Katrina Grant, Phoenix Karaka and Chelsea Locke’s futures unknown.

Tuivaiti said she is excited about linking up with Ekenasio following a long and formidable partnership with Maria Tutaia.

‘‘I’m really excited about the new challenge of not only playing netball in a different area of New Zealand and rekindling the passion, but also learning about myself away from family and friends.’’

New Pulse coach Yvette Mccausland-durie said she is delighted to welcome Tuivaiti to the Pulse.

‘‘Cathrine has one of the best accuracy rates in the business and a defining skill set which will prove invaluable,’’ she said.

‘‘She has an abundant natural talent which can only be enhanced and built on while her experience and leadership abilities will be great assets for our younger players to learn from.’’

Sheridan Bignall, Karin Burger, Claire Kersten and Whitney Souness are also confirmed as Pulse players for 2017, alongside Tuivaiti and Ekenasio.