“Just As Capable”: Tongan Star Uneeq Palavi Turns Down Overseas Offers to Chase Super Netball Dream at Home
At just 24 years old, Tongan international netball star Uneeq Palavi has already made waves on and off the court. Despite receiving multiple offers—including one from England and a few from rival Australian teams—Palavi has made the bold decision to remain in Melbourne as a training partner with the Melbourne Mavericks for the 2025 Super Netball season.
The move, which reportedly comes with a modest $5,000 stipend, might seem surprising to some. But for Palavi, it’s a decision rooted in purpose, perseverance, and proximity to family.
“A major factor for me was my family,” she told Fox Netball. “I did get quite a few offers, including a training partner opportunity in Sydney, but I wanted to stay closer to home. Financially, it’s more sustainable for me while I’m still finding my feet.”
It’s a decision that speaks volumes about her character. Despite a standout cameo with the NSW Swifts last season—filling in for Sam Wallace—Palavi has her sights set firmly on the long game.
“When I went to the Swifts, [coach] Briony (Akle) told me just to be myself. I had sort of lost that part of myself—trying to fit into a mold of what a netball player should be. Briony helped me rediscover my spark, my flair. It brought back my love for the game.”
A Career Built on Grit and Growth
Born and raised in Australia with proud Tongan heritage, Palavi has steadily risen through the ranks of Australian domestic netball. From junior competitions to the Victorian Netball League (where she plays for the City West Falcons), she has always been a commanding presence on court—particularly in the goal shooter (GS) position.
She first gained international attention representing Tonga at the 2019 Pacific Games, and again at the 2023 Netball World Cup qualifiers, where she was one of the standout performers in the Oceania region. Her combination of physicality, accuracy, and composure under pressure has earned her a reputation as one of the Pacific’s top emerging netball talents.
Palavi has also embraced the challenge of expanding her versatility, taking on the more mobile goal attack (GA) role—something new for a player long known for dominating under the post.
“It’s tough because I’ve always been a shooter—ever since I was young, I was the tall girl under the ring. Being introduced to GA has been a whole new challenge. But that’s what I want: to fight for the spot and prove I deserve to be there.”
She knows the odds are steep. Super Netball only offers eight starting GS spots across the league, making competition for contracts fierce. But that hasn’t deterred her one bit.
“I believe hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard. I want to show I am just as capable of being in that eight as anyone else—and I say that humbly.”
Inspired by the Rise of Others
Palavi draws motivation from watching players like Sophie Garbin, the Australian star who herself once battled for court time before blossoming into a Liz Ellis Diamond Medallist.
“I really relate to Sophie’s journey. When she was at Collingwood, she was often pushed into GA. Now seeing her thrive back at GS is inspiring. It reminds me to be patient and trust the process—you never know what’s coming next.”
That patience is reflected in her commitment to the Mavericks and the Victorian Netball League. While the training partner role comes with limited financial compensation, the access to elite training, coaching, and match preparation is invaluable.
“I’ve been learning so much from the Mavs girls, and from coaches like Richo (Nicole Richardson) and Tracey (Neville). They’ve really helped me build confidence, especially as I transition into playing more at GA.”
Pride in Representing Tonga
While based in Melbourne, Palavi remains firmly committed to her Tongan roots. She continues to make herself available for international duties and is a central figure in Tonga’s ongoing netball resurgence.
She played a key role in Tonga Tala’s remarkable rise in global rankings, helping establish the Pacific Island nation as a formidable force in regional competitions. Her success has become a source of pride for the Tongan diaspora and an inspiration to young girls across the Pacific dreaming of careers in elite sport.
What’s Next?
The Melbourne Mavericks open their 2025 Super Netball season against the Sunshine Coast Lightning on April 5, and Palavi will be working hard behind the scenes to earn court time. Between club training, domestic league commitments, and international aspirations, her plate is full—but her resolve is even fuller.
“I just want to enjoy my netball. That’s when I play my best,” she said.
And with her unshakeable drive, humility, and deep connection to family and culture, Uneeq Palavi is proving that the path less taken is often the one that leads to greatness.
