Netball: Central Pulse, Silver Ferns defender Temalisi Fakahokotau opts out of 2022 ANZ Premiership

Central Pulse will be without the services of defender Temalisi Fakahokotau, with the 27-year-old opting to take a break for the coming 2022 season.

A veteran of 22 tests for the Silver Ferns, Fakahokotau was a prized signing for the Pulse, moving south, after playing for Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic in 2021.

But "the global situation" has seen Fakahokotau opt to re-shift her focus for 2022 and she will sit out the season - including a potential tilt at the Silver Ferns' Commonwealth Games squad.

Fakahokotau was absent from the Silver Ferns squad currently in London for a quad series against Australia, South Africa and hosts England, beginning next week. 

Despite the disappointment at losing her star recruit before the season even begins, Pulse coach Yvette McCausland-Durie says Fakahokotau's decision is both respected and understood.

"We appreciate Tem's honesty and courage, and just want to act in her best interests and do what is right for her at this time,'' she says.

No replacement player has been named to the Pulse roster, but an announcement will be made in due course.

The 2022 ANZ Premiership season begins on March 13, as the competition celebrates 25 years of franchise netball in New Zealand.