Netball: Karaka pinched by Pulse

Pulse coach Tanya Dearns. Photo / Duncan Brown.

Newly appointed Pulse coach Tanya Dearns has pulled off her first big recruitment coup, snatching promising young defender Phoenix Karaka away from the Southern Steel.

The 21-year old Silver Fern, who has three test caps to her name, will combine with Pulse stalwart Katrina Grant next season.

"I'm excited about making the move to the Pulse. It'll give me an opportunity to work with Katrina, which in itself will be good for the future development of my game," said Karaka, who will next week trial for a spot in the Ferns' World Cup squad.

"At first, I felt a bit nervous about leaving Invercargill. Wellington is a bigger place, but I've got family in the capital which will be good for me and I needed a change," she said.

Dearns believes that Karaka will bring a dynamic edge to the team. The 1.86m defender has played the last three seasons with the Southern Steel, being ranked third for intercepts in this year's ANZ Championship.

"Phoenix will provide an attacking style and she's not afraid to come out and get the ball. She can play both goal defence and goal keep, and it gives me an opportunity to play her in either position," she said.

"She will bring versatility to our squad and gives us lots of options.

"Phoenix will also complement Katrina's game. She will potentially be going to the Netball World Cup, so they have the opportunity to build a strong combination in the Silver Ferns and that is really exciting long term for New Zealand netball."