Following another lacklustre season on the court, Giants Netball have pulled an off-season surprise by naming Whitney Souness as the club’s newest captain.
A newcomer to the Giants for the upcoming 2026 season, the experienced New Zealander has wasted no time in impressing her new teammates who have voted her to lead the way and become just the club’s fourth ever captain.
The 30-year-old’s added responsibility comes as she prepares for her first season in orange and charcoal, with Souness making the move across the Tasman following a decorated career in New Zealand’s ANZ Premiership.
Also representing the Silver Ferns on the international stage since 2017, Souness has long been recognised as one of New Zealand’s most exciting midcourters and is expected be a major asset for the Giants in 2026.
Souness said she was honoured to join such an illustrious list of athletes to captain the Giants.
“It means everything to me. Moving to Sydney was a big move for me, so getting the captaincy role is huge,” she said.
“Not only does it mean a lot for me, but also for my family back at home.
“Also, for my teammates. I’ve only known them for a little amount of time but being able to build a connection really fast and being able to lead them now is really special and a role I don’t take lightly – I’m very grateful.”
Souness, who replaces former co-captains Jo Harten and Jamie-Lee Price, said she’s looking forward leading the new-look team alongside Amy Sligar, with the emerging star voted as the team’s vice-captain for the first time in 2026.
“Amy is awesome and I’m super excited to see her grow in this position as well as for both of us to learn off each other,” she said.
The Giants finished a disappointing sixth last season, missing out on playing in the Super Netball Finals for the third consecutive year.
The Kiwi international said she’s excited about what the Giants could achieve in 2026 as she prepares for her debut Super Netball season.
“We’ve been working really hard and I feel really positive with this group and where we can go,” Souness said.
“People will see how much we love playing with each other… and if we go together as one then we can do some really great things.
“Our group is young, but I think we have a point to prove, to each other.”
The Giants also waved goodbye to their foundation coach Julie Fitzgerald in 2025, with Nerida Stewart taking the reins.
Stewart said Souness was a unanimous and natural choice to lead the club this season.
“From the moment Whitney arrived, she’s earned the full trust and respect of the playing group through her professionalism, high standards, and the genuine way she connects with her teammates,” Stewart said.
“She brings a calm, composed presence into our environment and her experience across her career to date will give her the skills required to lead this team moving forward.
“There’s real confidence within the group in Whitney’s ability to lead, and we’re incredibly excited to see her step into the role in 2026.”
Nathan Taylor is Parra News' sports journalist. He also compiles the weekly Chatter on the Box TV column. Nathan is an award-winning journalist, who has worked in western Sydney media for more than a decade.