Silver Ferns defender Elle Temu has confirmed she won’t play in the ANZ Premiership next season, instead opting to head to Australia where she’ll continue playing netball.
Temu has been in a long-distance relationship with partner Isaiah Papali’i, who plays in the NRL based in Sydney with the West Tigers.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Temu confirmed she wanted to spend more time with her partner after years of living apart.
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“It has been a tough few years where our sporting commitments have meant we are rarely in the same place at the same time,” the 24-year-old said.
“This is my opportunity to take some time out and join Isaiah in Australia.
“Netball will however remain a focus for me and after my taste in the black dress last year, I know that I’m certainly not finished with the Silver Ferns.”
As it stands, players eligible for Silver Ferns selection need to be contracted in the ANZ Premiership.
This means Temu remains available for selection this calendar year after playing the 2023 season for the Robinhood Stars. But beyond that, her selection remains uncertain.
Only Laura Langman and Maria Folau were granted exceptions to represent the Silver Ferns after they opted to head Down Under.
Temu, the daughter of former NRL player Jason Temu, said she had not found a club yet in Australia – but given the Super Netball contract fiasco, every spot is open on all teams.
Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua said she was adamant Temu could still don the black dress in the future.
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“Elle is still very young in her netball career and has shown the heights she can reach having made her Silver Ferns debut last year,” Taurua said.
“We understand the commitment that our elite athletes make year after year, and it is important for us to support their life choices outside of netball as well.
“I certainly believe we haven’t seen the last of Elle in the black dress, but we wish her well for this next chapter away from the netball court.”
