Netball: Taurua tipped to call it quits

Noeline Taurua says she hasn't made any decision about next year yet. Photo / Dean Purcell

As the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic prepare to embark on their second transtasman league finals campaign, there is growing speculation that the next two-to-three weeks could be coach Noeline Taurua's last games in charge of the franchise.

Rumours have been circulating since the beginning of the season that Taurua is considering opportunities to work further afield. It is believed the mother-of-five told members of the Magic organisation some time ago that this year will be her last with the Waikato side.

Taurua said yesterday she has yet to make any firm decisions as to what she will do next year, but hinted she is ready for a new challenge.

"I haven't sort of looked at my options yet. I just want to finish off this competition and finish it off well and then I'll have some time to sort of sit down and think," she said.

"I've been at the franchise for seven years now, and I've had five of those girls in my main line-up now for at least five years."

"Sometimes I feel that for people to grow and myself to grow and the team to grow, you need new things."

Should Taurua choose to depart at the end of the season, it could spell the end for New Zealand's dream team as the Magic may struggle to retain some of their big names next year. Not having a coach confirmed for 2010 will make re-signing key talent difficult and leave the Magic open to raids from other franchises, with players such as Irene van Dyk, Maria Tutaia and Casey Williams likely to feature on a couple of shopping lists.

While Taurua is yet to make up her mind over what she will do next year, if the Magic fail to deliver the ANZ Championship trophy this season the decision to move on may be made for her. Given the talent Taurua has at her disposal, serious questions will be asked if the Magic, who are virtually a shadow Silver Ferns team, cannot go one better this season and take out the transtasman title.

Taurua acknowledges the Magic's season will be deemed a failure if they fall short of bringing home the title, but said that pressure of expectation is not getting to her.

"My expectations are the same as everybody else, they're very high," she said.

The Magic take on the Melbourne Vixens in the major semifinal this Sunday, with the winner earning the direct route into the grand final.