Tuivaiti ponders future after Silver Ferns’ snub
Missing selection for the Silver Ferns has forced Cathrine Tuivaiti to consider her netball future in New Zealand.
Tuivaiti, nee Latu, has ended her nine year association with the Auckland-based Northern Mystics and is assessing her options in New Zealand, Australia and England for next year.
The 29-year-old shooter confirmed she was offered a contract again by the Mystics for the new elite domestic league, but has opted not to return.
She told Stuff leaving the Mystics was the toughest decision of her career and was unsure where she would be playing in 2017.
The 24-test Silver Fern was overlooked for last year’s World Cup and missed selection in new coach Janine Southby’s squad for the Quad Series and next month’s home internationals against Jamaica.
Southby delivered a clear statement, picking 18-year-old rookie shooter Maia Wilson over Tuivaiti, raising questions that her time with the national team was over.
‘‘I guess with the news of not making the Ferns and stuff, I thought I need to do something else because it’s obviously not working for me,’’ Tuivaiti said.
‘‘I took the leap [to leave the Mystics] and it actually still scares the hell out of me.’’
Being snubbed from the Silver Ferns wasn’t the sole reason for leaving the Mystics, but was a key part, she said.
Several sources have indicated starting Silver Ferns’ shooter Bailey Mes will re-join the Mystics next season after two years at the Mainland Tactix.
Tuivaiti stressed she had left the Mystics on amicable terms.
She had positive talks with franchise chief executive Julie Paterson
‘‘I’ve been trying to get the balls to leave a few times and I got a little bit scared and always ended up going back. Netballer Cathrine Tuivaiti
and long-term Silver Fern and Mystics’ shooting partner Maria Tutaia.
‘‘The Mystics have been incredible to me and I have no reason to lie about it.
‘‘It wasn’t just one thing that made me leave. It certainly wasn’t under any animosity. We haven’t parted ways in bad form.’’
She had contemplated switching allegiance from the Mystics in the past, but her connection with sponsors, teammates, management, volunteers and fans made it difficult.
‘‘I’ve been trying to get the balls to leave a few times and I got a little bit scared and always ended up going back.’’
Tuivaiti, who has been playing for New Zealand A this week, declined to reveal what Kiwi sides had shown interest in her for next year.
She said Australian and English clubs had been in touch and she had ‘‘no idea where I’m going to go’’.
Her husband, Jim, is in his second season playing pro rugby with the Calvisano club in Italy and acknowledged there could be appeal in being closer to him and competing in the English Superleague, which starts in February.
‘‘That is a big aspect. He’s so far away and we only got married this year. He’s definitely in on all my options and he’s helping me decide.’’
Despite being on the outer with the Silver Ferns, Tuivaiti was adamant her international netball days weren’t over. She felt she performed well at the recent national trials and believed the squad was all but picked before the players showed up.
‘‘I did everything [I could at trials]. I showed my whole repertoire of skills. I know I’m getting a bit older, but that’s probably the only thing about me I can’t change. I’m going to keep fighting.’’
Not being selected at trials was devastating for Tuivaiti and she vowed to bounce back if she stayed in New Zealand.
The Silver Ferns’ shooting stocks aren’t flash and have been further depleted by the retirement of Jodi Brown, Malia Paseka’s pregnancy and Tutaia’s foot injury.
‘‘I’m a very driven person and when I want something hard enough I go for it. I know my body and I know if it was time, I’d walk away because I also don’t want to look like an idiot.’’