Unassuming and quiet by nature, Rita Fatialofa was a naturally gifted athlete who left an indelible mark as one of New Zealand’s finest attacking netballers.

Relatively short in stature and stocky, Fatialofa plied her trade initially as a goal attack when making her Silver Ferns debut as an 18-year-old in 1982.

Poise, balance, awareness of space, strength to hold her ground and deceptively quick, Fatialofa was a graceful exponent of executing with power, precision and accuracy on the Netball court.

An exceptional reader of the game, Fatialofa’s background at goal attack made her an even better wing attack where she remains a standout figure of the position.

Part of the losing Silver Ferns team in the 1983 Netball World Cup final in her early years, Fatialofa was an integral member when the triumphant 1987 edition swept all before them.

A gifted sportswoman, she also played softball for New Zealand.