Unfinished business keeps Tutaia in NZ

She’s one of the world’s most sought-after netball talents but, in the end, Maria Tutaia wasn’t ready to walk away from the Northern Mystics just yet.

Months of umming and ahhing ended yesterday when Tutaia surprised some by knocking back wide-spread interest from the new Australian competition to re-sign with the Mystics for the 2017 national league.

‘‘At the end of the day it was about what was best for me and my family. There was quite a bit of interest but I’m very happy with the decision I’ve made,’’ Tutaia said. ’’My manager and I were going back and forth for months on end but staying at home in 2017 was the best option for me.’’

A move across the Tasman would have enabled the 29-year-old to move closer to Wallabies partner Israel Folau, and the lure of testing out her vaunted long shot in a fresh environment held appeal.

‘‘I had interest outside Sydney but for me it was about wanting to try something different. That was the only reason why I wanted to go. It had nothing to do with the financial side or where I would benefit myself outside of netball.’’

After six years with the Mystics, Tutaia couldn’t shake the nagging itch of having not kicked on and won any silverware, despite being involved with star-studded squads.

Sidelined with bone bruising in her foot that will keep her out of the Ferns’ tilt at the inaugural Quad Series, Tutaia is aiming for a return in the Constellation Cup campaign against Australia in October. That timeframe will see her miss next month’s three-test home series against Jamaica.