Australian Gabi Simpson called into Pulse
- Dave Worsley
- May 1
- 2 min read
Facing injury issues Pulse have recruited former Australian Diamond Gabi Simpson as a temporary replacement player ahead of the 2025 ANZ Premiership netball league.
Midcourter Simpson will add cover for Maddy Gordon and Whitney Souness, who are currently working through their `return to play’ programmes following respective injury and surgery.
Gordon suffered a knee injury during a pre-season match against the Mystics last month while Souness has been rehabbing after undergoing ankle surgery prior to Christmas.
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There is strong optimism the Silver Ferns midcourt duo will be back in action early in the season-proper and, in the interim, Simpson will provide strength and stability in the midcourt until their return.
The third most capped player for the Queensland Firebirds with 157 appearances during a stellar 11-year national league career, Simpson also played 41 tests for the Diamonds during which she assumed the vice-captaincy.
The Pulse have used several of their Manawa National Netball League (NNL) players through the pre-season but with the shorter ANZ Premiership season (two rounds), it was felt an experienced player was needed to help stabilise the midcourt.
``There is no time to grow another player and while we’re grateful to the NNL players who have stepped in, none have done a full NNL season themselves and we needed some experience,’’ Netball Central Director of High Performance Waimarama Taumaunu said.
There was a wide search, including New Zealand-based players, before landing with Simpson, who will train with the Pulse for the first time today (Thursday) and be available for their Round 1 match against the Magic in Palmerston North on May 10.
The Pulse have already ready been forced to draft shooter Amorangi Malesala in as a temporary replacement for Khiarna Williams who is out for several weeks with a shoulder injury.
