After overcoming an array of injuries and other setbacks, Giants defender Kristiana Manu is treating her 50th top-flight match, against Collingwood on Sunday, as a fresh start.
Manua, who made her international debut for Australia as a 20-year-old in 2016, had her spectacular progress derailed the following season by an Achilles tendon injury.
While she conceded her career still hasnt completely recovered from that misfortune, a philosophical Manua says she is a much stronger person due to the hurdles shes needed to overcome to notch her half century.
Kristiana Manu has done it the hard way to get to game No.50.Credit:AAP
“I didnt know it was my 50th, so it was a bit surreal to hear about it,” she said. “Im happy to reach it, but I see it as just the beginning for me. Missing a year because of my Achilles, and also not playing as much as I wouldve loved to last year actually reignited my passion for the game.
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“Making 50 games means Ive put in the work that was needed to reach that milestone. My Dad has always said its easy to make a team, but its hard to stay in one. His advice resonated with me and Ive worked hard. When I was injured my career was at a high, but the time I spent out of the game gave me a chance to step back and focus on myself.”
Rather than curse the lost time, Manua prefers to look at it as an opportunity to grow.
“We always say things happen for a reason, and God was telling me I needed to focus on myself,” she said. “And that was something my parents instilled in me during that time. But it was hard coming back and Im still kind of recovering from it now.”
Giants coach Julie Fitzgerald says Manuas determination has allowing the proud New Zealand-born Australian of Samoan heritage to make an impact on this seasons Super Netball competition.
“I think she has been the most improved player in our team," Fitzgerald said. "Shes put in so much work and is getting better every week. It has taken a while to get back, but I think, too, the hunger has grown and shes realised how good she could be. If she keeps improving the way she is, shell be a star.”
Manua says the gratitude she feels for all the sacrifices her parents made when she was identified as a rare netball talent a decade ago is also a driving force in her career.
“If it wasnt for them, none of this wouldve happened,” she said. “The girls who play know all about the sacrifices: your parents drive you to places, cook the food, buy the shoes and pay for the trips when you make junior rep teams.
“Their sacrifices havent gone unnoticed by me. Everything is for them.”
Her 50th match won't bRead More – Source
After overcoming an array of injuries and other setbacks, Giants defender Kristiana Manu is treating her 50th top-flight match, against Collingwood on Sunday, as a fresh start.
Manua, who made her international debut for Australia as a 20-year-old in 2016, had her spectacular progress derailed the following season by an Achilles tendon injury.
While she conceded her career still hasnt completely recovered from that misfortune, a philosophical Manua says she is a much stronger person due to the hurdles shes needed to overcome to notch her half century.
Kristiana Manu has done it the hard way to get to game No.50.Credit:AAP
“I didnt know it was my 50th, so it was a bit surreal to hear about it,” she said. “Im happy to reach it, but I see it as just the beginning for me. Missing a year because of my Achilles, and also not playing as much as I wouldve loved to last year actually reignited my passion for the game.
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“Making 50 games means Ive put in the work that was needed to reach that milestone. My Dad has always said its easy to make a team, but its hard to stay in one. His advice resonated with me and Ive worked hard. When I was injured my career was at a high, but the time I spent out of the game gave me a chance to step back and focus on myself.”
Rather than curse the lost time, Manua prefers to look at it as an opportunity to grow.
“We always say things happen for a reason, and God was telling me I needed to focus on myself,” she said. “And that was something my parents instilled in me during that time. But it was hard coming back and Im still kind of recovering from it now.”
Giants coach Julie Fitzgerald says Manuas determination has allowing the proud New Zealand-born Australian of Samoan heritage to make an impact on this seasons Super Netball competition.
“I think she has been the most improved player in our team," Fitzgerald said. "Shes put in so much work and is getting better every week. It has taken a while to get back, but I think, too, the hunger has grown and shes realised how good she could be. If she keeps improving the way she is, shell be a star.”
Manua says the gratitude she feels for all the sacrifices her parents made when she was identified as a rare netball talent a decade ago is also a driving force in her career.
“If it wasnt for them, none of this wouldve happened,” she said. “The girls who play know all about the sacrifices: your parents drive you to places, cook the food, buy the shoes and pay for the trips when you make junior rep teams.
“Their sacrifices havent gone unnoticed by me. Everything is for them.”
Her 50th match won't bRead More – Source
