Building on their successful history, Central Manawa have named an exciting blend of experience and rising young talent in their squad of 12 for the 2026 National Netball League (NNL).

The winners of five titles since the inception of the NNL in 2016, Manawa have been the most successful team during that time and the policy of retaining at least 50 percent of their players each year continues with the on-going development of emerging young talent in the Zone.

Defenders Zalika Clarke and Yasmin Mayall, shooter Phoenix Schwalger return from last year’s team alongside midcourters Skylah Tainui-Takerei and Suraya Goss while Torren Isaako and Jess Fagan-Pease have both been involved previously.

Breearn Wilson and Teuila Bennis were part of last year’s wider squad while three exciting newcomers are added to this year’s mix in the form of midcourter/defender Jordan Clegg, shooter Grace Southby and midcourter Te Arani Vulu.

Southby has previously played for the Southern Blast and has relocated from Otago while Vulu, in her first year out of St Mary’s College Wellington, is a talented allrounder having been involved in the New Zealand Secondary Schools netball programme as well as being a top performer in touch, sevens rugby and rugby league at national secondary school level.

Clarke and Schwalger, who was part of the last season’s NZU21 squad, are Pulse training partners while Southby is an apprentice training partner with the senior team.

``I’m delighted with the calibre of another young but highly talented Central Manawa squad,’’ Netball Central Director of High Performance Waimarama Taumaunu said.

``This year’s squad is an exciting mix of new players who are eager, driven and ready to seize their opportunity, alongside a core group of experienced athletes who provide leadership and stability.

``This balanced mix of emerging talent and proven performers creates a competitive environment and our focus remains clear, to strengthen and refine our netball pathway, ensuring athletes are supported, challenged and prepared for progression to the next level.

``We are committed to building depth, resilience and high-performance standards that align with the expectations of ANZ Premiership teams, positioning our players to transition with confidence and readiness. 

This year’s competition will follow a similar path to last year’s which will be played over just the one full round, in a demanding quick-fire season. The competition will run alongside the latter half of the ANZ Premiership with Manawa launching their campaign against the Blast, in Wellington on May 17.

2026 Manawa squad: 
Zalika Clarke (Wellington), Yasmin Mayall (Wellington), Jess Fagan-Pease (Wellington/Manawatu), Jordan Clegg (Wellington), Phoenix Schwalger (Wellington), Grace Southby (Wellington), Breearn Wilson (Wellington/Kapi Mana), Torren Isaako (Wellington/Kapi Mana), Skylah Tainui-Takerei (Wellington), Suraya Goss (Wellington), Teuila Bennis (Wellington/Kapi Mana), Te Arani Vulu (Wellington).

Head coach: Ngarama Milner-Olsen
Assistant coach: Cushla Lichtwark
Manager: Sarona Sullivan
 

ENDS

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Article added: Tuesday 31 March 2026