Southern Steel coach Noeline Taurua will head overseas. She has signed a two-year contract to coach the Sunshine Coast netball franchise, to compete in next year's new Australian national competition.
It's the beginning of a new chapter for Taurua, following the end of the ANZ Championships.
"Feeling really elated that I've been given this opportunity. People who know Sunshine Coast know that it's a beautiful piece of paradise. But not only that, this team is also supported by Melbourne Storm which in NRL circles is a professional organisation with a history of success," says Taurua.
Taurua was not considered for the Silver Ferns coaching job last year despite leading two teams to the finals of the ANZ Championship in her nine-year involvement with the competition. But she says the advent of the new national competitions has opened new doors.
"Because of that and because of all the reasons as to why I signed the dotted lines, the timing was perfect for not only me but also my family as well."
The question being asked now is if New Zealand players will follow in Noeline's footsteps?
"If you want to play for the Silver Ferns there's an attachment where you have to play for the New Zealand competition and that's understandable. But I think they should also look at individuals and what is not only going to be the best for the Silver Ferns now but also the Silver Ferns in the next 4 years time," says Taurua.
Noeline says with the establishment of new franchises in both New Zealand and Australia, the market place is open. However, she is yet to sign anybody at this stage.