Ameliaranne Ekenasio shines in first ANZ Premiership outing with Central Pulse since 2020
Sunday, 12 April 2026
Ameliaranne Ekenasio could not have scripted a better return to the Central Pulse.
Playing her first game in the yellow dress since the 2020 ANZ Premiership final win over the Tactix in Covid-19 times, Ekenasio had quite the homecoming.
Up against her old side, the Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic, who she spent the past four seasons with, Ekenasio led the way as the Pulse opened their campaign with a 53-45 victory on Saturday.
She landed 20 from 21 (including a perfect 20/20 from one point range) at Wellington’s TSB Arena in a satisfying start to the new season for the three-time champions.
Watching Ekenasio coolly sink goals, dish out accurate assists, and dictate terms in the shooting circle, she demonstrated why she would be such an asset to the Silver Ferns.
Ekenasio revealed last week she had yet to speak to national coach Dame Noeline Taurua since stepping away from the Ferns midway through last year to prioritise her physical and mental wellbeing.
The former Silver Ferns captain, a 79-test veteran, even went as far as saying she did not believe she was on Taurua’s selection radar, telling RNZ: “I'm just not really a piece of that puzzle any more, so nah I haven't really needed any contact”.
Ekenasio might be at the back end of her elite career at 35, but remains the best goal attack in New Zealand. A Silver Ferns’ Commonwealth Games squad later this year would only be strengthened by her inclusion, given her vast experience, leadership, and court craft.
Even with the notable departures of leading Silver Ferns Kelly Jackson and Maddy Gordon to Australia’s Super Netball, Amelia Walmsley (Stars) and Tiana Metuarau (England’s Netball Super League), the Pulse showed they will be a handful again in 2026.
Their new-look shooting end of Ekenasio and South African international Ine-Marí Venter, who converted 32 from 41, were effective in the win, while Silver Ferns defender Parris Mason was a nuisance at goal defence.
The Pulse built a nine goal lead by halftime (28-19) and a strong third quarter had them in the driver’s seat approaching the last term, leading by 13.
Vastly altered teams making impressive starts to the competition was the theme of round one.
The reigning champion Mainland Tactix, who lost seven members of their grand final winning squad, delivered an early season statement.
Donna Wilkins’ side outclassed the Southern Steel 55-42 in Christchurch on Saturday night for a morale-boosting start to their campaign.
Missing the star power of Jane Watson, Karin Burger, and Te Paea Selby-Rickit (all in Super Netball) from last year, combined with the retirement of Ellie Bird, and departures of Martina Salmon (Stars) and Paris Lokotui (rugby), many were lukewarm on the Tactix’ prospects.
While it is only early days, they laid down a marker, dominating a sloppy Steel side, who turned the ball over 26 times and were well below their best.
Australian addition Ash Barnett, a Queensland Firebirds’ contracted player last season, had a dream first outing for the Tactix, wowing at goal keep. Barnett, who was overlooked for a Super Netball contract this year, clearly came out with fire in her belly. She hauled in seven rebounds, four intercepts, and three deflections in a dominant display.
Another Australian, Charlie Bell, back at the Tactix (who she was an injury replacement player for in 2024) after playing for the Stars last year, anchored the shooting end, slotting 41 from 51.
The Tactix won all four quarters in a performance that will bely some of the off-season doubt about their ability to overcome so many key off-season defections.
Sunday’s crosstown battle was a thriller with the Stars upsetting the pre-season title favourite Mystics 63-59, for their first Auckland derby win in three years.
It was close going all the way with a Maia Wilson two point shot at the end of the first half giving the Mystics a one goal halftime lead (30-29). Heading into the last quarter, the sides could not be separated, level at 47-all.
The Stars’ new look shooting circle of Salmon and Walmsley missed just four goals, shooting 60 from 64, including three of four from two point range.
Wilson, in her Mystics’ debut after nine seasons with the Stars, shot a perfect 45 from 45 for her new side in the loss (one of one from two point range).