In wonderful news NSW Swifts Training Partner Elle Temu has announced that she is expecting her first child in 2025.
The Silver Ferns international, who made her debut for the Swifts in last season’s Suncorp Super Netball Round 1 clash against the Sunshine Coast Lightning in Queensland, has been part of the senior Club setup for the past 12 months.
A hugely talented netballer, she initially joined the Swifts at the start of 2024 as a Training Partner before making five Super Netball appearances as a Temporary Replacement Player for the injured Teigan O’Shannassy.
Prior to crossing the Tasman, the 26-year-old circle defender plied her trade in New Zealand’s ANZ Premiership during which time she earned four Test caps for New Zealand.
Temu is the second Swift to announce a new arrival in 2025 after co-captain Maddy Proud announced her pregnancy.
Swifts head coach Briony Akle said she was delighted for Elle and her partner Isaiah Papali'i who plays for the Penrith Panthers in the NRL.
“This is a magical moment for Elle and Isaiah and we are delighted for both of them,” she said.
“Elle is a wonderful person who has been a huge contributor to our environment and while we’ll obviously miss her in the day-to-day setup, we couldn’t be happier for her.
“Every time you get news like this it is a blessing, and we will do everything we can to support her ahead of this every exciting chapter.”
Temu thanked Akle and the Swifts:
“Like Maddy Proud said a few months ago, being part of the Swifts is something I really cherish and I want to thank the coaches and my teammates for their support over the past number of weeks.
“Both Isaiah and I are really excited about this new chapter in our lives and I really treasure the support network of friends that netball is providing me here in Sydney.
“Playing in front of the Swifts fans earlier this year was one of the highlights of my career to this point and I cannot wait to cheer the girls on when the time comes for me to rest up and get ready for our new arrival to get here.”
