A shift south to Christchurch in 2021 has led to midcourter Parris Petera achieving her dream of earning a full-time contract with the Trident Homes Tactix. We talk to the wing attack ahead of an ANZ Premiership double-header weekend when the Tactix host the Pulse and Magic in Rangiora.
What has it been like for you being a fully contracted player with the Tactix in 2023?
I'm loving it. I feel like as a training partner you're fully immersed in the Tactix environment throughout pre-season and then you go back to NNL in February/March and there's only a few chances throughout the season where you can come back in. It's been nice being able to still be around for the fun stuff (the games) and put into practice all the work you've done throughout pre-season.
You moved to Christchurch in 2021 – what have you enjoyed most about the move and the city?
I think it's been a great change. I was brought up in the North Island my entire life so it's nice having a change of scenery and meeting new people. For the city itself, there's much more things to do here than in the Hawkes Bay. I never miss out on the Hawkes Bay sun because you still get those hot hot days here in Christchurch which is a bonus. And my favourite part about Christchurch is probably Rollickin Gelato.
What motivates you?
I'm always up for a good challenge and I love learning and seeing myself improve so that probably motivates me the most. But also being from a sports-mad family myself, I always want to uphold my family's name and make them proud.
It’s a big weekend for the Tactix with two games within the space of 24 hours – how do you prepare and recover with such a quick turnaround?
We've done a lot of the preparation throughout pre-season where the training load has been quite high throughout the entire week, so we're used to the quick turnarounds. But for myself, just making sure that I do all the little things like getting enough sleep and keeping hydrated to ensure my body is in the best condition possible come game time.
What’s your favourite music to listen to pre-game?
Love a good old school sing along!
Do you have a pre-game routine?
Not really to be honest. I try not to be too strict on my pre-game routine because if something goes wrong or I miss something in it, it would probably stuff up my entire game. So I'm not very strict on my pre-game routine, sometimes I nap – sometimes I don't.
How do you overcome nerves/pressure on game day?
I think just remembering that I've done all the preparation and now I have an opportunity to put it out there on court. I try not to think about it too much. At the end of the day netball is what I do for a living, so it's just another day of what I tend to do every day.
You’re at a new ANZ Premiership venue this weekend in Rangiora – how good is it to take on the Pulse and Magic at MainPower Stadium?
I think it's awesome being able to connect with the regions. I know MainPower Stadium is smaller than the Christchurch Arena so the fans will be right there on the side-line which is a bonus. We’re really going to hear them which is such a lift, and they’ll be up close to the action which is nice.
What’s your favourite pre-game food?
Eggs and avocado on toast or a jam and cheese toastie!!
