Fiji Pearls Vice-Captain Maria Lutua joins Anna Carter’s new look squad for 2016
Yorkshire Jets are further strengthening their squad for the new Vitality Netball Superleague season with the signing of one of Fiji’s leading netballers.
Shooter Maria Lutua, the vice-captain of the country’s national team, Fiji Pearls, will join Anna Carter’s new look squad for 2016.
The 26-year old has 52 caps for the Pearls playing in the last two World Cups since making her international debut for the senior squad in 2009. Before that, she had played for Fiji U21.
She was last in the UK in 2010 when she was part of the Celtic Dragons training squad and says it’s exciting to be returning to the UK to play for Yorkshire Jets:
“This is such an exciting journey knowing that I will be returning to the UK to play in a Superleague team. I have always wanted to return to the UK knowing that I have made some really close friends who are now like family to me.
“I think Yorkshire Jets is one of the best and most exciting teams to be part of and playing for them in 2016 will be an exciting challenge to adjust and adapt to the Vitality Netball Superleague. I am looking forward to be working with Anna Carter and to help the team on its mission during this season.
“I’m also passionate about promoting netball and believe that this could be an opening to allow more girls from Fiji to play at this level in the future. I hope Fijians already in the UK will support me and Yorkshire Jets this season.”
Maria Lutua is the latest new addition to the Yorkshire Jets squad for the new season following England World Cup star Stacey Francis and Australian Sophie Halpin. They will play alongside young and emerging netball players like England U21 internationals Jess Shaw and Lydia Walker in 2016.
Head Coach Anna Carter said she was looking forward to Maria Lutua’s arrival: “Maria is an outstanding netballer and leader on court and we are delighted to be bringing her to the Vitality Netball Superleague and Yorkshire Jets in 2016. Her experience as the vice-captain of the Fiji Pearls and playing in two World Cups will be invaluable for Jets as part of a new look squad for the new season.”
Tickets are on sale here for Yorkshire Jets games in the Vitality Netball Superleague.
