NSW junior and Tongan international netballer Kelea (Clare) Iongi has been named as the NSW Swifts’ third Training Partner signing for the 2023 Suncorp Super Netball season.
A former New South Wales State Team and Australian underage representative, Iongi returns to the Club having initially come through the Swifts pathway with the Netball NSW Waratahs (now QBE Swifts Academy).
At the end of 2019, Iongi made the move to local rivals Giants Netball where she has been a training partner for the past three seasons.
However, the versatile defender – who hails from the Inner Western Suburbs Netball Association – has decided to return to the Swifts setup, a decision which delights head coach Briony Akle.
“I have known Kelea for a long time so we’re really excited to see her back in the Swifts environment,” Akle said.
“Kelea was a standout performer in the Waratahs team that contested an ANL Grand Final back in 2019 and we were really disappointed to lose her services.
“Since then, she has gained Australian underage selection, and helped Tonga qualify for the Netball World Cup in South Africa next year.
“As a defender she is tough, athletic and ready to take her game to the next level.
“Getting to train alongside a world-class defensive combo in Sarah Klau and Maddy Turner will really aid her development.
“She also has the Swifts in her blood. Her aunt Mo’onia Gerrard is one of the Club’s greatest champions so she knows what the Swifts are all about.”
Iongi said she was looking forward to a new challenge in 2023.
“I am really pumped to be part of the Swifts in 2023 and can’t wait to start training with the team,” she said.
“I recently worked with Briony as part of Tonga’s qualification for the World Cup and it was a brilliant experience.
“The Swifts have such a proud and successful history and seeing how Briony operates really made me want to be a part of the Club.
“Also getting to train daily alongside a double Premiership-winning Diamonds defensive combo in Sarah and Maddy is pretty awesome.”
The Swifts have already announced Audrey Little and Lili Gorman-Brown as Training Partners for next season.
The Club will make further announcements in due course.
