As the Australian exodus continues for many of New Zealand's top netballers, dynamic midcourter Paris Lokotui's announced she's leaving the sport together - at least for now.
"The Tactix have been a cool club, they took me in when I did my ACL and helped me through that process to (get) back on court so this was a really hard decision. But, with a hard decision comes a really cool opportunity and whatever that looks like I'm ready to take it with two hands," Lokotui told 1News.
Having played rugby when she was in school, the 23-year-old wants to "get stuck in" again and play at a competitive level.
While she's not a contracted member this season, Lokotui has been training with the Canterbury Farah Palmer Cup squad.
It's been announced Paris Lokotui won't return to the ANZ Premiership winning Tactix as she looks to pursue rugby. (Source: 1News)
It's in a limited capacity as she returns from an ongoing knee niggle she was managing throughout the ANZ Premiership.
"It's cool being part of this group and the coaches really wanting me to part of it and seeing what it looks like."
At the moment - just being around the environment, sharing with like minded people, easing my way into that rugby journey, it's an exciting time and I'm excited for what that (her future) looks like," she said.
While it's not clear when she'll take the field in a playing sense,1News understands she's had informal conversations about playing in the Super Rugby Aupiki competition.
They'll no doubt be excited by the potential the dynamic athlete possesses - but also the rugby pedigree she comes from. Her father is former Tongan lock Lua Lokotui.
When Lokotui was asked what position she'd likely play, she said she didn't realise how tall she was till she entered the Canterbury environment.
"So we'll see.. loosie maybe - I like to get my hands dirty," she joked.
Lokotui hopes to play sevens during the summer, as she continues to upskill and pave her new sporting path.
The morning's headlines in 90 seconds, including the Menendez brothers fight for freedom, the level of unhealthy ads our kids see, and the Black Ferns eye up a three-peat. (Source: 1News)
SHARE ME