Tutaia’s future up in the air as Aussie calls
Maria Tutaia’s New Zealand netball future hangs in the balance.
Whatever happens, Tutaia’s presence in the black dress will surely continue. But her seven-year affiliation with the Northern Mystics could be drawing to a close as the lure of Sydney seemingly grows.
The Mystics season came to a disappointing end last week, following a 63-47 first-round finals loss to the Waikato BOP Magic. That defeat signalled the end of Debbie Fuller’s five-year reign as head coach, and the start of major change for the Mystics.
Reviews start next week and incoming coach Helene Wilson has just over one month, until the August 22 deadline, to meet players and submit her squad for next year’s New Zealand netball league.
Meanwhile, Australia has made it clear its standalone competition will not only welcome as many imports as possible, but may also introduce a long-range two-point shot in some form. All of which makes Tutaia a prime target.
‘‘I don’t think we’ll ever see another goal attack like Maria,’’ Fuller said. ‘‘Her laconic shot is very special.
‘‘She’s put herself in this fortunate position because she works really hard. People don’t understand and don’t see the hours she spends going to the post at Trusts Arena. That’s never been acknowledged.
‘‘People tend to focus on the other side of Maria; she’s a very beautiful athlete and she is an icon of netball. But if somebody tracked her for a week and saw the amount of effort she puts in … it’s important for people to recognise that.’’
Such is her profile and status, having played 102 tests for the Silver Ferns, Tutaia’s decision carries interest well beyond traditional netball circles. Maria's very loyal but she is in high demand.
It is understood the 29-year-old Mystics captain is seriously considering change. While she is very close to her Auckland-based family, her relationship with Wallabies and NSW Waratahs star Israel Folau forms another key consideration, with the pair regularly travelling between Auckland and Sydney this year.
‘‘Maria is very loyal – she loves playing for New Zealand and she loves playing for the Mystics – but she is in very high demand,’’ Fuller said. ‘‘It’s important she goes through the whole process of what she wants to be and how she wants to keep learning about the game.’’
Netball New Zealand has left the door open for a player of Tutaia’s experience and standing to jump ship to Australia after allowing Laura Langman’s stint with the NSW Swifts this year. Granting Langman an ‘‘exemption’’ to cross the Tasman and remain eligible for the national team paves the way for Tutaia to do likewise.
‘‘The precedent has been set,’’ Fuller said. ‘‘You can look at it if you’re the national coach and if she plays in Australia she is going to be getting intel on the opposition. The only way you can really understand the opposition is by playing with them week in, week out.
‘‘It’s also good to play at home and build those combinations.’’
Wilson’s top priority before locking in her Mystics coaching team is to sit down with all players and assess the scope of her squad next year. English import Serena Guthrie is another player understood to have offers from the Australian competition. ‘‘I need to have certain conversations with Ria,’’ Wilson said. ‘‘There is no doubt she is very loyal to the Mystics. But I also know that it’s important for players to make decisions that are best for them to perform at their best.’’