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Whitney Souness Joins Adelaide Thunderbirds, Completing Kiwi Trio

Former Silver Fern Whitney Souness Completes Trio of New Zealand Signings at Adelaide Thunderbirds

In a significant move for trans-Tasman netball relations, former Silver Fern Whitney Souness has officially signed with the Adelaide Thunderbirds for the upcoming 2025 Super Netball season. This announcement marks the completion of a notable trio of New Zealand players at the Australian club, underscoring a growing trend of Kiwi talent crossing the ditch to bolster teams in Australia's premier netball league. Souness, known for her speed, agility, and dynamic wing attack play, joins fellow New Zealand internationals Grace Nweke and Amelia Walley, creating what could be a formidable Kiwi contingent within the Thunderbirds' roster.

Souness's journey to this point has been one of resilience and determination. A product of New Zealand's robust netball system, she first rose to prominence through the domestic ANZ Premiership, where she showcased her skills with teams like the Central Pulse and the Northern Mystics. Her international career with the Silver Ferns began in 2016, earning her caps in major tournaments including the Netball World Cup and Commonwealth Games. However, injuries have plagued her recent years, limiting her appearances and ultimately leading to her omission from the latest Silver Ferns squads. Despite these setbacks, Souness has maintained a high level of performance in club netball, most recently with the Mainland Tactix in New Zealand's top league. Her decision to move to Australia represents a fresh start, allowing her to compete in one of the world's most competitive netball environments.

The Adelaide Thunderbirds, a foundation club in Super Netball since its inception in 2017, have been on a rebuilding trajectory after a challenging few seasons. Finishing near the bottom of the ladder in recent years, the team has actively sought international talent to inject new energy and expertise. Souness's signing is seen as a strategic acquisition, providing depth in the midcourt and complementing the attacking prowess already present in the squad. Thunderbirds coach Tania Obst expressed enthusiasm about the addition, highlighting Souness's experience and leadership qualities as key assets. "Whitney brings a wealth of international knowledge and a relentless work ethic," Obst noted in the club's official statement. "She's the perfect fit to round out our New Zealand connections and help drive our performance forward."

This trio of Kiwi signings begins with Grace Nweke, arguably one of the most exciting shooting prospects in world netball. Nweke, a towering goal shooter standing at 1.93 meters, burst onto the international scene with the Silver Ferns in 2018. Her dominance under the post, combined with exceptional accuracy and aerial ability, has made her a standout player. After a stellar stint with the Northern Mystics in New Zealand, where she helped secure multiple premiership titles, Nweke made the bold move to the Thunderbirds ahead of the 2024 season. Her transition to Australian netball has been seamless, with Nweke quickly establishing herself as a key scorer and drawing significant defensive attention from opponents. Her presence has already elevated the Thunderbirds' attacking end, and pairing her with Souness's playmaking could create dynamic on-court synergies.

Completing the group is Amelia Walley, a rising star from New Zealand's netball pathways. At just 20 years old, Walley represents the future of the sport, having impressed in the ANZ Premiership with the Southern Steel. A versatile defender capable of playing goal defence or wing defence, Walley's athleticism and intercept skills have earned her spots in New Zealand's development squads. Her signing with the Thunderbirds earlier this year was part of the club's youth-focused strategy, aiming to blend emerging talent with seasoned professionals. Walley's inclusion in this Kiwi trio adds a layer of defensive solidity, potentially allowing the Thunderbirds to experiment with more aggressive tactics.

The influx of New Zealand players to Australian clubs is not a new phenomenon but has intensified in recent years due to the competitive nature of Super Netball and the opportunities it offers for career growth. Historically, players like Maria Folau and Temepara Bailey have thrived in Australia, paving the way for current stars. For the Thunderbirds, this strategy echoes successful models seen in other teams, such as the New South Wales Swifts or Melbourne Vixens, who have benefited from international recruits. However, it also raises questions about talent drain from New Zealand's domestic league, where the ANZ Premiership continues to produce world-class athletes but struggles with retention amid lucrative overseas offers.

From a broader perspective, Souness's move highlights the evolving landscape of professional netball. With Super Netball boasting higher salaries, larger audiences, and advanced training facilities, it's an attractive destination for players seeking to extend their careers or challenge themselves against top-tier competition. Souness herself has spoken about the excitement of this new chapter, emphasizing the chance to contribute to a team on the rise. "I'm thrilled to be joining the Thunderbirds and linking up with Grace and Amelia," she said. "It's an opportunity to bring my experience to a new environment and help build something special."

Looking ahead to the 2025 season, the Thunderbirds' Kiwi trio could be a game-changer. Nweke's scoring ability, combined with Souness's midcourt flair and Walley's defensive nous, provides a balanced foundation. If they gel quickly, the team might climb the ladder and contend for finals spots, something they haven't achieved consistently in recent years. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely, as this cross-border collaboration could set a precedent for more integrated lineups in international netball.

Beyond the on-court implications, this signing fosters stronger ties between New Zealand and Australian netball communities. Events like the Constellation Cup series already showcase the rivalry, but club-level integrations promote mutual respect and shared growth. For Souness, at 29 years old, this could be a defining phase, potentially reigniting her international aspirations if she performs well in Super Netball.

In summary, Whitney Souness's arrival at the Adelaide Thunderbirds not only completes an intriguing trio of New Zealand signings but also signals ambitious plans for the club's future. With Grace Nweke and Amelia Walley already in place, the stage is set for a compelling season that blends Kiwi talent with Australian grit, promising exciting developments in the world of elite netball. As the 2025 campaign approaches, all eyes will be on how this trans-Tasman alliance unfolds on the court.

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[ https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/sport/570102/former-silver-fern-completes-trio-of-nz-signings-at-australian-club ]