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. Their policy of retaining at least 50 percent of players each year continues, alongside the ongoing development of emerging young talent in the zone.
Defenders Zalika Clarke and Yasmin Mayall, and shooter Phoenix Schwalger return from last year’s team, alongside midcourters Skylah Tainui-Takerei and Suraya Goss. Torren Isaako and Jess Fagan-Pease have also been involved previously.
Breearn Wilson and Teuila Bennis were part of last year’s wider squad, while three exciting newcomers have been added to this year’s mix in 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. Vulu, in her first year out of St Mary’s College Wellington, is a talented all-rounder who has 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 last season’s NZ U21 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,” said Netball Central Director of High Performance, Waimarama Taumaunu.
“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 format to last year, played over 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