June 14, 2024 • 10 mins
After settling into netball retirement for several months, former Silver Fern Claire Kersten has answered an SOS call from the injury-hit Central Pulse in the ANZ Premiership.
Kersten has rejoined the Pulse in the absence of midcourter Maddy Gordon, helping the Wellington-based team to the top position on the ladder after nine rounds.
She joined Adam Cooper ahead of a top of table showdown against the Tactix in Christchurch on Sunday afternoon.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Newstalk's be on the Illsport Breakfast will long serving netballer
Clear Curston had been happily living retirement life, or netball
retirement life that is, through this year. But then early
May a call from Central Pulse coach Ana Andrews Desola
came and said, well, Maddy Gordon has been injured at
the Pulse. Would you like to come back? Clear, Kirston
(00:20):
is living in Papamoa, said why not? And what an
addition she's been coming out of retirement to help the
Central Pulse to stay top of the table. Clears played
five games so far in her return for the Pulse
as an injury replacement player, made huge contributions with assists,
feeds and defensively as well.
Speaker 2 (00:37):
And she's back in the.
Speaker 1 (00:39):
Team ready for this huge game, the topp of table
clash between the Pulse and the Tactics in christ Church tomorrow.
We're lucky enough to speak to Clear Kurston. Now, Clear,
good morning. Did you ever think you'd be back in
Pulse colors after you left Wellington a couple of years ago.
Speaker 3 (00:55):
No, probably not. I'm not sure if everyone would say.
Speaker 2 (01:00):
Been good.
Speaker 3 (01:00):
I'm enjoying it and ultimately I guess that's the main
thing for me at the moment. But yeah, definitely wasn't
in the in the diary or in the sinking at all.
And then yeah, things changed pretty pretty quickly. And the
lead up to that first game, I think I talked
to an on and I think it was a Tuesday,
and yeah, then I was playing that weekend, So yeah, quick,
(01:21):
quick turnaround. But yeah, it's been good. It seems been
amazing and a lot going on there that really I've
been really impressed with how they're just kind of rolling
with the punches and each week there seems to be
a new challenge. But yeah, it's been pretty incredible to
watch the way that it's all come together. Really.
Speaker 2 (01:39):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (01:39):
So where have you been since since finishing up in
the competition obviously most recently with the Magic. You're not
even in Wellington full time, are you?
Speaker 3 (01:47):
No, I'm not. I'm still after Magic season finished last year,
I've stayed up. I'm living in Popamole, so that's where
home is now and working up there, and so yeah,
getting down to Wellington for some training during the week
and the lead up to the game and then sort
of flying back home and working and then doing it
(02:08):
all again. So it's still very much kind of, you know,
just taking things as they come, and obviously depends on
how Maddie is tracking as well, but yeah, I'm there
for the moment and we'll just see how it all goes.
Speaker 2 (02:22):
Amazing. And had you been playing any knitball at any
level this year so far?
Speaker 3 (02:28):
No, I hadn't. My training has been quite different to
what it's been for the last time many years. You know,
still still going lot discuss but away from the nipple court,
which you know, if I'm being honest, I've been really
enjoying having a change. I've been playing very socially, playing
(02:49):
some putch and squash and trail running and that kind
of stuff. So yeah, definitely. But the body has been coping. Okay,
that's been good, but yet definitely not the sort of
all the change in direction stuff that you used to
Milso yeah, a little bit of a little bit of
a shock to the system, but we're okay.
Speaker 2 (03:09):
Yeah, so, how did Anna manage to twist your arm?
Speaker 3 (03:11):
Then that's a good quick I'm not quite sure because
I'm not sure I was totally convinced at the beginning,
but yeah, we had a really good chat and I
spent a lot of time, and I think at the
best time. So I spent a long time thinking about
whether or not that's what I wanted to do. And yeah, honestly,
(03:33):
I I probably I took some time to think about
it after we talked initially, and then I called it back,
and I'm not sure I knew what I was going
to say on the phone, but obviously found myself saying
use at some point and still here however, many weeks later.
So yeah, that's how it happened.
Speaker 2 (03:53):
Yeah, brilliant and a handful of games.
Speaker 1 (03:54):
Then you've obviously had a big game time a lot
of minutes and able to contribute a lot to some
some really big an important pulse victory is what's been
the most rewarding part of coming back so far.
Speaker 3 (04:06):
I think like there's quite a different mindset for me this,
you know, you if I look at the last however
many years, netball has been pretty not in a not
in a negative way, but it's been pretty consuming and
that's been the biggest, biggest thing going on to me.
And I think now I'm I'm working a full time job.
(04:30):
This wasn't on the cards, and so like coming in
was quite a different mindset around it all. Obviously want
to want to play well and contribute where I can,
but you know, the context is quite different. So that's
been that's been quite nice and quite refreshing. And I think,
just like I said before, just coming into that environment
and I've you know, I've played this a few of
(04:52):
those players, but actually a lot of them may have
the paper and just seeing how they are coping with
all the challenges, and you know, I think of someone
like Martina and Kiana Palacio, who you know, training partners
to begin with and probably wouldn't have sent the minutes
that they've been having over over recent weeks, and what
(05:14):
they've been able to has been has been awesome. And
also knowing that at some point, you know, Maddie will
be coming back and Amla and Keana and how they
sort of feedback into the environment. So yeah, it's been
pretty cool to be a part of that and just
trying to probably relax and enjoy it a little bit
(05:35):
more than I have managed over the last few years.
Speaker 1 (05:38):
So yeah, as someone that's in charge of both defending
and getting the ball up into the attacking circle, how
did you find that game a few weeks ago against
the tactics, and obviously it's to repeat this weekend where
it was such a defensively strong game and it was
only you got your second one back.
Speaker 3 (05:52):
Yeah, yeah, I felt like a zigning shuttle of that
whole game. So I think that we obviously know that
the that I think that was such a messis to
think this game in both teams, because you know, I
look at what Kelly in Paris and Clara are doing
in that circle, but also far moved down there as well,
like massive precious that they can put on, but technical
(06:14):
are equally as strong in that area, which obviously contributed
to the way that that game went. So I think
both teams will have will have learned quite a lot
from that, And don't don't imagine that the same the
same thing will happen again, but who knows. But yeah,
you're right in the second game and that was that
(06:35):
was wasn't really what I was thinking of begetting myself
as though. But yeah, I think the beauty of playing
with someone like with me as well as that she
is She's a great driver of better checking in, so
I get to sort of see what she's doing and
read off that and fill the gets and that's that.
You know, I've played with a lot, so I understand
(06:57):
how she plays, and she understands how I play, So
that's all. That's my It probably a little bit easier
as well, having someone like Sarah and that attacking end
who has such a playmaker and has really stepped up
and I think she's playing like ridiculously well. So very
grateful to hit her there too.
Speaker 1 (07:14):
Yeah indeed, And I mean you mentioned the long list
of injuries before and the challenges that this team has faced,
and that, you know, what is a predominantly young team,
as well as as you mentioned, how have how the
coaches the leaders managed to just get everyone fully focused
and not let you know, everything that's happened get to
them too much.
Speaker 3 (07:31):
Yeah. Yeah, it's been amazing. I know that every team's
been hit with with injuries and things in different different ways,
but it kind of felt like for those who a
few weeks, every time I turned up there was something new.
But then you go into that environment and I really
mean it when I say how impressed I've been, because
(07:53):
everyone has still been super positive and honestly just really
rolled with it. It's like, oh, this has happened, we
can't do any thing about it. We've just got to
try and make the best of the situation. And so
I don't know how it's done it, to be honest,
but it's been amazing to yeah, to to see how
that's that played out, really, and I think Anna has,
(08:16):
you know, in her first year as head coach, and
that's I can't imagine that she would have been planning
for that. And you know, I think every time something's happened,
it should have been like, oh, surely this is surely
that's the end of it. But yeah, there have been
more since since then. And yeah, but at the same time,
(08:36):
now hopefully coming coming through the other side. And Tianna
got her first minute the other night, so that was
really positive and hot. So hopefully for all those all
those players that have been out that are you know,
that's the way that it continues and they all get
back to heaving game time by season.
Speaker 2 (08:54):
Yeah, And I've alluded to it before.
Speaker 1 (08:56):
The last time you played the Tactics was thirty six
thirty to the Pulse and recredibly low scoring. This is
now a top of table match up again down there
in christ Church this weekend. How tough is this one
going to be? It's going to be similar, do you
think to that other game?
Speaker 3 (09:10):
Oh, I think I sent them to Sensus pressure. It
will be huge. I'muld like to think that cold scores
what I'm hoping for from us anyway, But yeah, I
think I think it would be massifully intense and both
teams have probably well simainly since then. For us we've
had a few more few more changes, so we've had
(09:32):
to keep adapting and adjusting, but that's that's all good.
But yes, definitely definitely sat As being a pretty physical
and type encounter, so looking forward to it.
Speaker 2 (09:42):
Yeah, I bet well, Claire, It's been great to chat.
Speaker 1 (09:44):
Awesome to have you back playing here in Wellington for
a little bit with the Pols, and I know a
lot of people have enjoyed us seeing you back on court.
So go well for as long as it lasts, and
especially all the best this weekend against the Tactics.
Speaker 3 (09:55):
Thanks for chatting, Thanks and much appreciate it.
Speaker 2 (09:59):
Yes for your time. Queer Queer kirston there.
Speaker 1 (10:01):
How good is it having her back playing for the
Polse and contributing incredibly well to their results top of
table against the Tactics tomorrow afternoon in christ Church four
point fifteen. It gets under a huge game to define
well the season for both those teams. So yeah, really
looking forward to seeing how that match goes down South tomorrow.
Speaker 2 (10:18):
For more from News
Speaker 1 (10:19):
Talk st B, listen live on air or online, and
keep our shows with you wherever you go with our
podcasts on iHeartRadio
Newstalk's be on the Illsport Breakfast will long serving netballer
Clear Curston had been happily living retirement life, or netball
retirement life that is, through this year. But then early
May a call from Central Pulse coach Ana Andrews Desola
came and said, well, Maddy Gordon has been injured at
the Pulse. Would you like to come back? Clear, Kirston
(00:20):
is living in Papamoa, said why not? And what an
addition she's been coming out of retirement to help the
Central Pulse to stay top of the table. Clears played
five games so far in her return for the Pulse
as an injury replacement player, made huge contributions with assists,
feeds and defensively as well.
Speaker 2 (00:37):
And she's back in the.
Speaker 1 (00:39):
Team ready for this huge game, the topp of table
clash between the Pulse and the Tactics in christ Church tomorrow.
We're lucky enough to speak to Clear Kurston. Now, Clear,
good morning. Did you ever think you'd be back in
Pulse colors after you left Wellington a couple of years ago.
Speaker 3 (00:55):
No, probably not. I'm not sure if everyone would say.
Speaker 2 (01:00):
Been good.
Speaker 3 (01:00):
I'm enjoying it and ultimately I guess that's the main
thing for me at the moment. But yeah, definitely wasn't
in the in the diary or in the sinking at all.
And then yeah, things changed pretty pretty quickly. And the
lead up to that first game, I think I talked
to an on and I think it was a Tuesday,
and yeah, then I was playing that weekend, So yeah, quick,
(01:21):
quick turnaround. But yeah, it's been good. It seems been
amazing and a lot going on there that really I've
been really impressed with how they're just kind of rolling
with the punches and each week there seems to be
a new challenge. But yeah, it's been pretty incredible to
watch the way that it's all come together. Really.
Speaker 2 (01:39):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (01:39):
So where have you been since since finishing up in
the competition obviously most recently with the Magic. You're not
even in Wellington full time, are you?
Speaker 3 (01:47):
No, I'm not. I'm still after Magic season finished last year,
I've stayed up. I'm living in Popamole, so that's where
home is now and working up there, and so yeah,
getting down to Wellington for some training during the week
and the lead up to the game and then sort
of flying back home and working and then doing it
(02:08):
all again. So it's still very much kind of, you know,
just taking things as they come, and obviously depends on
how Maddie is tracking as well, but yeah, I'm there
for the moment and we'll just see how it all goes.
Speaker 2 (02:22):
Amazing. And had you been playing any knitball at any
level this year so far?
Speaker 3 (02:28):
No, I hadn't. My training has been quite different to
what it's been for the last time many years. You know,
still still going lot discuss but away from the nipple court,
which you know, if I'm being honest, I've been really
enjoying having a change. I've been playing very socially, playing
(02:49):
some putch and squash and trail running and that kind
of stuff. So yeah, definitely. But the body has been coping. Okay,
that's been good, but yet definitely not the sort of
all the change in direction stuff that you used to
Milso yeah, a little bit of a little bit of
a shock to the system, but we're okay.
Speaker 2 (03:09):
Yeah, so, how did Anna manage to twist your arm?
Speaker 3 (03:11):
Then that's a good quick I'm not quite sure because
I'm not sure I was totally convinced at the beginning,
but yeah, we had a really good chat and I
spent a lot of time, and I think at the
best time. So I spent a long time thinking about
whether or not that's what I wanted to do. And yeah, honestly,
(03:33):
I I probably I took some time to think about
it after we talked initially, and then I called it back,
and I'm not sure I knew what I was going
to say on the phone, but obviously found myself saying
use at some point and still here however, many weeks later.
So yeah, that's how it happened.
Speaker 2 (03:53):
Yeah, brilliant and a handful of games.
Speaker 1 (03:54):
Then you've obviously had a big game time a lot
of minutes and able to contribute a lot to some
some really big an important pulse victory is what's been
the most rewarding part of coming back so far.
Speaker 3 (04:06):
I think like there's quite a different mindset for me this,
you know, you if I look at the last however
many years, netball has been pretty not in a not
in a negative way, but it's been pretty consuming and
that's been the biggest, biggest thing going on to me.
And I think now I'm I'm working a full time job.
(04:30):
This wasn't on the cards, and so like coming in
was quite a different mindset around it all. Obviously want
to want to play well and contribute where I can,
but you know, the context is quite different. So that's
been that's been quite nice and quite refreshing. And I think,
just like I said before, just coming into that environment
and I've you know, I've played this a few of
(04:52):
those players, but actually a lot of them may have
the paper and just seeing how they are coping with
all the challenges, and you know, I think of someone
like Martina and Kiana Palacio, who you know, training partners
to begin with and probably wouldn't have sent the minutes
that they've been having over over recent weeks, and what
(05:14):
they've been able to has been has been awesome. And
also knowing that at some point, you know, Maddie will
be coming back and Amla and Keana and how they
sort of feedback into the environment. So yeah, it's been
pretty cool to be a part of that and just
trying to probably relax and enjoy it a little bit
(05:35):
more than I have managed over the last few years.
Speaker 1 (05:38):
So yeah, as someone that's in charge of both defending
and getting the ball up into the attacking circle, how
did you find that game a few weeks ago against
the tactics, and obviously it's to repeat this weekend where
it was such a defensively strong game and it was
only you got your second one back.
Speaker 3 (05:52):
Yeah, yeah, I felt like a zigning shuttle of that
whole game. So I think that we obviously know that
the that I think that was such a messis to
think this game in both teams, because you know, I
look at what Kelly in Paris and Clara are doing
in that circle, but also far moved down there as well,
like massive precious that they can put on, but technical
(06:14):
are equally as strong in that area, which obviously contributed
to the way that that game went. So I think
both teams will have will have learned quite a lot
from that, And don't don't imagine that the same the
same thing will happen again, but who knows. But yeah,
you're right in the second game and that was that
(06:35):
was wasn't really what I was thinking of begetting myself
as though. But yeah, I think the beauty of playing
with someone like with me as well as that she
is She's a great driver of better checking in, so
I get to sort of see what she's doing and
read off that and fill the gets and that's that.
You know, I've played with a lot, so I understand
(06:57):
how she plays, and she understands how I play, So
that's all. That's my It probably a little bit easier
as well, having someone like Sarah and that attacking end
who has such a playmaker and has really stepped up
and I think she's playing like ridiculously well. So very
grateful to hit her there too.
Speaker 1 (07:14):
Yeah indeed, And I mean you mentioned the long list
of injuries before and the challenges that this team has faced,
and that, you know, what is a predominantly young team,
as well as as you mentioned, how have how the
coaches the leaders managed to just get everyone fully focused
and not let you know, everything that's happened get to
them too much.
Speaker 3 (07:31):
Yeah. Yeah, it's been amazing. I know that every team's
been hit with with injuries and things in different different ways,
but it kind of felt like for those who a
few weeks, every time I turned up there was something new.
But then you go into that environment and I really
mean it when I say how impressed I've been, because
(07:53):
everyone has still been super positive and honestly just really
rolled with it. It's like, oh, this has happened, we
can't do any thing about it. We've just got to
try and make the best of the situation. And so
I don't know how it's done it, to be honest,
but it's been amazing to yeah, to to see how
that's that played out, really, and I think Anna has,
(08:16):
you know, in her first year as head coach, and
that's I can't imagine that she would have been planning
for that. And you know, I think every time something's happened,
it should have been like, oh, surely this is surely
that's the end of it. But yeah, there have been
more since since then. And yeah, but at the same time,
(08:36):
now hopefully coming coming through the other side. And Tianna
got her first minute the other night, so that was
really positive and hot. So hopefully for all those all
those players that have been out that are you know,
that's the way that it continues and they all get
back to heaving game time by season.
Speaker 2 (08:54):
Yeah, And I've alluded to it before.
Speaker 1 (08:56):
The last time you played the Tactics was thirty six
thirty to the Pulse and recredibly low scoring. This is
now a top of table match up again down there
in christ Church this weekend. How tough is this one
going to be? It's going to be similar, do you
think to that other game?
Speaker 3 (09:10):
Oh, I think I sent them to Sensus pressure. It
will be huge. I'muld like to think that cold scores
what I'm hoping for from us anyway, But yeah, I
think I think it would be massifully intense and both
teams have probably well simainly since then. For us we've
had a few more few more changes, so we've had
(09:32):
to keep adapting and adjusting, but that's that's all good.
But yes, definitely definitely sat As being a pretty physical
and type encounter, so looking forward to it.
Speaker 2 (09:42):
Yeah, I bet well, Claire, It's been great to chat.
Speaker 1 (09:44):
Awesome to have you back playing here in Wellington for
a little bit with the Pols, and I know a
lot of people have enjoyed us seeing you back on court.
So go well for as long as it lasts, and
especially all the best this weekend against the Tactics.
Speaker 3 (09:55):
Thanks for chatting, Thanks and much appreciate it.
Speaker 2 (09:59):
Yes for your time. Queer Queer kirston there.
Speaker 1 (10:01):
How good is it having her back playing for the
Polse and contributing incredibly well to their results top of
table against the Tactics tomorrow afternoon in christ Church four
point fifteen. It gets under a huge game to define
well the season for both those teams. So yeah, really
looking forward to seeing how that match goes down South tomorrow.
Speaker 2 (10:18):
For more from News
Speaker 1 (10:19):
Talk st B, listen live on air or online, and
keep our shows with you wherever you go with our
podcasts on iHeartRadio
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