Noeline Taurua will make netball history next week when she coaches a side in the inaugural Suncorp Super Netball grand-final in Australia - but she's taken time out to express sympathy for her former side, the Southern Steel, after they were involved in a car crash in Christchurch.
Taurua coached the Steel to their most successful domestic season in 2016 and was shocked to hear many of the players she coached had been hurt in the accident.
"It brings everything back to how short life is, and how grateful, especially us in the netball world things can change really fast, and I'm so thankful that it wasn't any worse.
"I know they'll have the right people around them supporting them and I also know that they are pretty strong down there and pretty resilient and I still believe they will be a force."
Although her priority is to prepare her side the Sunshine Coast Lightning to face the Sydney based Giants, Taurua has been keeping an eye on the New Zealand domestic competition and takes credit for her foundation work with the Steel.
"It doesn't surprise me that they are at the top of the ladder putting out real dominant performances, we just touched on the surface of what the potential was in these girls, it's a pure performance culture."
Taurua is contracted to Australia for two years and won't be returning to New Zealand in a coaching role anytime soon, but had an opinion about another Kiwi's potential return home - Laura Langman.
The former Silver Fern hasn't re-signed to the Australian franchise but Taurua believes she should be allowed back into the national side no matter where she plays.
"She's a game breaker, she's a winner. I can understand why Netball NZ made their decision but it's not a black and white decision."
"There are a lot of things that need to take into account, whether it's because of ego or what - or just wanting to keep control over things."
"She is strength in our team and I'll back her 100 percent because she can do the job for any team she plays for."
The Sunshine Coast Lightning are set to take on the Giants in the Brisbane grand-final on Saturday at 9pm NZT.
Newshub.
