The 20-year-old cut a calm and composed figure as she took the court for her first game in a Southern Steel uniform.
She did not flinch when she turned and drained the team's first goal of the season.
Another two followed, giving the Steel an early 3-1 lead in its opening round thrashing of the Mainland Tactix.
It would have been easy to mistake her for a 10-year veteran, as she finished shooting 17/20 and combined seamlessly with George Fisher.
That was a promising sign, as the goal attack bib was the big question mark hovering over this team, as last year's star, Tiana Metuarau, returned home to Wellington.
As it turned out, the team's new shooter did have nerves heading into last Sunday's game — plenty of them, as well.
But when the game began, it was her new team-mates that made her feel comfortable.
‘‘I was just mainly pretty nervous before the game started,'' Tui said.
‘‘But I felt like when I got on, and we were all there together, the nerves went away.
‘‘It was like ‘just do your very best'. It was good to know we were all there together — it wasn't just me, but all of us.''
Originally from Wellington, Tui has spent the past two seasons with the Northern Mystics.
She was part of last year's winning campaign and also has three National Netball League titles to her name — two with the Central Manawa and last year with the Northern Marvels.
However, having found herself behind a quality shooting line-up at the Mystics, notably Grace Nweke, she was lured south by greater opportunity.
Predominantly a goal shoot growing up, she has been adjusting to learn a new position.
‘‘It is different. In goal attack, I'm learning more how to run the lines hard and make sure I'm balancing with the goal shoot, playing off the goal shoot and everything.
‘‘But it's exciting to be able to learn goal attack, as well as goal shoot.''
Her Wellington roots gave her a familiar childhood face at the Steel, too.
Tui and Renee Savai'inaea's parents had known each other since the players were young and the pair went to St Mary's College together.
‘‘She was like the man at netball when we were in primary school, so yeah.
‘‘I'm actually really happy to be playing alongside of her. I've always looked up to her.''
Tui was also looking forward to playing against her old team.
The Mystics travel south to face the Steel on Monday night.
They were beaten 46-43 in their opener against the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic, although were depleted due to Covid-19.
This week they face a double-header, playing the Central Pulse in Porirua today.
NZ Premiership
Invercargill, Monday, 7.15pm
Steel: Shannon Saunders, Kate Heffernan, Renee Savai'inaea, Ali Wilshier, George Fisher, Saviour Tui, Georgia Heffernan, Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickit, Kate Burley,
Sarahpheinna Woulf.
Mystics: Sulu Fitzpatrick, Phoenix Karaka, Mikaela Sokolich-Beatson, Tayla Earle, Fa'amu Ioane, Elisapeta Toeava, Claire O'Brien, Grace Nweke, Monica Falkner, Filda Vui.
