Lightning's door open to Kiwi star Folau

A vacancy exists for New Zealand ace Maria Folau at Super Netball champions Sunshine Coast Lightning, with sharp-shooter Caitlin Bassett yet to re-sign with the club.

The Lightning announced on Wednesday they had agreed to terms with half their 10-strong squad, including goal attack Steph Wood and key defender Karla Pretorius.

But Bassett as well as skipper Geva Mentor were among those missing from the list.

The club said it was still in discussions to nail down more players but coach Noeline Taurua was also open to signing new ones.

"Our grand final against West Coast Fever has naturally been the focus over the past few weeks, so many of our players opted to wait until after the game to commence contracting discussions," Taurua said.

"We hope to retain more of our existing players and will also consider welcoming new faces into the fold."

Folau has been granted an exemption from Netball New Zealand to play in Australia, where she can join husband, Wallabies star Israel, and still be available for next year's netball world cup.

The Queensland Reds are believed to be keen to lure Israel from the NSW Waratahs, with the fullback non-committal on his plans for 2019.

Taurua, who is tipped to become the Silver Ferns coach for next year's tournament, said earlier this week she hadn't spoke to Folau.

But former Diamonds skipper Liz Ellis believed she would end up with the two-time champions, playing alongside fellow Kiwi Laura Langman.

"While their signatures would have been sought by many, for mine Lightning is the team most likely to win out for both," Ellis wrote in her Fairfax newspaper column on Wednesday.

Australian coach Lisa Alexander also predicted last week Folau would play for either the Lightning or the Firebirds, with many family members based in Queensland.