Door remains open for Ekenasio at Pulse

Coach Yvette Mccausland-durie says Silver Fern Ameliaranne Ekenasio remains a key part of her plans, despite the fact the Central Pulse have locked in promising shooters Aliyah Dunn and Tiana Metuarau for another season.

Dunn, 18, was one of the stars of the most recent ANZ Premiership, shooting 524 from 577 at 91 per cent. That strong form earned her a Silver Ferns contract and selection for the upcoming Quad Series where she is expected to make her international debut.

Together, Dunn and Metuarau were the Pulse’s first-choice shooting combination for the bulk of the campaign, restricting Ekenasio to a bench role for a 12-game stretch before she eventually won her spot back ahead of the finals.

Ekenasio told Stuff earlier this year she was weighing up her future at the Pulse because of her lack of game time.

However, Mccausland-durie said she was keen to keep hold of the 21-cap international, believing there was room for three starting calibre shooters in the same team.

‘‘I’m always really confident from the perspective where we know we have created an environment where they are all valued and they know they can get the growth and development they need, and most importantly where they enjoy playing the game,’’ she said.

‘‘We’ve got a space but you need more than two. You only get one injury and you’re in trouble.’’

Mccausland-durie was thrilled to retain Dunn and Metuarau, two of the most promising shooters in the country.

It is understood the Southern Steel were keen to secure Dunn, who grew up in Invercargill and featured briefly for the team in 2017, so her signing is particularly noteworthy.

At just 17 years old, Metuarau was the youngest player to take the court in 2018. She scored 185 of her 219 attempts and earned selection in the Silver Ferns development team.

‘‘All the players are pretty popular to be honest,’’ Mccausland-durie said. ‘‘Eight of our nine have been selected for international duties and they’ve all put their hands up and that makes them a really good commodity elsewhere. But it is great when you get players return because that’s the key for us – to get the retention right. It gives us such a good base to build from.’’

Having already locked in Katrina Grant and Sulu Fitzpatrick on one-year deals, Mccausland-durie said her priority will remain on retention rather than strengthening the squad with players from outside Wellington. So far just one player has departed, with fringe midcourter Mila Reuelu-buchanan moving to the Northern Stars in search of more game time.