Ekenasio and Dunn to suit up for Pulse in 2018

Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse have this morning confirmed the signings of shooters Ameliaranne Ekenasio and Aliyah Dunn for the 2018 ANZ Premiership.

New mum, Ekenasio is welcomed back to the Pulse fold after missing the 2017 season after the birth of her first child, Ocean, while rising young talent Dunn has been lured north from Invercargill.

Ekenasio, 26, who has 12 Silver Ferns caps to her name, is looking to reignite her career while Dunn, 17, in the infancy of her career, is hoping to build on her latest achievement as a member of this year’s World Youth Cup-winning NZU21 team.

“I can’t wait to really get back into things with the Pulse,” Ekenasio said. “I’ve never sat on the sideline like that before so it was a big change for me.

“I’ve had a few weeks of playing Club which is still pretty fresh but it’s so good to be back out on court.”

Dunn, who stands a shade under 1.9m, can play both goal attack and goal shoot, giving the Pulse plenty of options and variety on attack.

A member of the South Beko Netball League team this year and making her debut for the Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel, Dunn is a product of Verdon College, in Invercargill, which has proved a bountiful Netball nursery over the years.

“I am excited about my move to Wellington,” Dunn said. “I am a little nervous but this is a great opportunity to spread my wings and challenge myself in a new environment.

“I am looking forwarding to becoming part of the Pulse team and learning all I can from their experienced players and coaching staff.”

Dunn, who is also hoping to do some study in Wellington, will reunite with fellow NZU21 players Metuarau and Mila Reuelu-Buchanan, the trio this time lining up together in Pulse colours.

The Pulse have now confirmed eight of their roster for 2018: Ameliaranne Ekenasio, Aliyah Dunn, Sulu Fitzpatrick, Mila Reuelu-Buchanan, Katrina Grant, Tiana Metuarau, Whitney Souness and Karin Burger.