Super Netball: Giants tipped to be in mix for Caitlin Bassett but Maria Folau likely headed to Queensland

SPECULATION Diamonds captain Caitlin Bassett may be on the move to NSW has increased with the star shooter’s name missing from a list of early Lightning signings for the 2019 Super Netball competition.

Caitlin Bassett could be playing for a different team in 2019. Picture: Getty.

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SPECULATION Diamonds captain Caitlin Bassett is on the move south has increased with the star shooter’s name missing from a list of early Lightning signings for the 2019 Super Netball competition.

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Both Bassett and Silver Ferns star Maria Folau have been bandied about as potential replacements for retired shooter Susan Pettitt at the Giants in 2019, but Bassett looks to be the more favoured option.

Bassett’s name was absent from a list of signings made public by two-time Super Netball champions Sunshine Coast Lightning just three days after their Grand Final win over West Coast Fever.

Her Aussie shooting partner Steph Woods was on the list.

Caitlin Bassett could be playing for a different team in 2019. Picture: Getty.

Folau, who has been living in Sydney with rugby star husband Israel, has received an exemption from Netball New Zealand to play in the Australian competition next season.

A club in Queensland looks the most likely home for the Silver Fern who has close family ties to the states.

Lightning revealed half their 10-strong rosters for 2019, including foundation players Wood, Karla Pretorius, Laura Scherian, Madeline McAuliffe and Cara Koenen.

Notable names missing are Bassett and captain Geva Mentor from England.

Coach Noeline Taurua, who is widely tipped to take the helm of the Silver Ferns in upcoming weeks, said Lightning was in discussions with a number of other existing team members.

“Our Grand Final against West Coast Fever has naturally been the focus at Lightning HQ over the past few weeks, so many of our players opted to wait until after the game to commence contracting discussion,” she said.

“We hope to retain more of our existing players and will also consider welcoming new faces into the fold.”