The thrice-capped Fijian Pearl has joined the under-23 Spirit in the NSW Premier League, having spent last season as a training partner with the South Coast Blaze.

Korovata, who hails from Leeton, had been tossing up between the Spirit and Manly-Warringah Sapphires, with the 18-year-old defender prepared to relocate for her netball dream.

She's part of the Fijian under-21 squad that will feature in the delayed Netball Youth World Cup in Suva.

So a call from Kate Carpenter proved vital in her decision, with the Spirit coach having strong links to the Pearls.

"It's a good chance for me to fully commit to netball," Korovata said.

"I've loved it [so far]. Coming into the Spirit space reminded me of why I travel and do everything for netball, because it sparked my passion again. I'm excited to see what the season holds for me and my netball."

The Youth World Cup has been delayed to December due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with Korovata still waiting to hear about what happens moving forward.

The Spirit's campaign will double as a chance to strengthen her preparations for the tournament, keeping her fit and match-ready for international netball's return.

"It definitely helps, having different perspectives and different coaches working with me," Korovata said.

"I've always had it separate, but they all definitely intertwine and help each other along the way."

Korovata's goal is to grow as an athlete this season, while the Spirit look to improve on their inaugural Premier League campaign that saw both teams finish last in their respective divisions.

"I think it'll be more a year of consolidation," Carpenter said.

"There's certainly areas where we can be better, but also equally building on the combinations and understanding that came through nicely towards the end of the season.

"Just a year on, you know what you're up against, you know your opposition and how travel affects everyone. It's that knowingness."

Netball ACT announced the Spirit's roster for all three programs last month, with two key changes made to the Open's side.

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Samantha Bondietti, who was part of Netball Australia's 2020 Centre of Excellence squad, has been promoted from the under-23's while Ashlie Edwards has come across from North Shore United.

The Spirit started training in mid-January and will now move into a specialised block, with players split into shooting, centre-court and defensive areas this month.

Coaches have been brought in to work with each area, including former Diamonds captain and ex-Fijian mentor Vicki Wilson with the circle attacks.

They'll meet the South Coast in a trial match next month in preparation for round one, which is scheduled to start on Wednesday, April 14 at Netball NSW.

"Fingers crossed that we complete the preseason according to plan," Carpenter said.

"That February block is something that came out of our reviews last year, to have more specialist work and areas of the court. It will really focus on the shooting, centre court and defensive areas."

The Spirit has launched an Academy pathway for athletes aged 15 and older, with an objective to expose them to a high performance environment.

The Academy, led by Emma Stonham, is training based and its 19 athletes will play matches at the end of the winter season when their team commitments are completed.

CAPITAL SPIRIT 2021 SQUADS

Open: Gemma Robinson, Nalani Mukande, Olivia Clark, Ashlie Edwards, Carly Symons, Emily Brady, Samantha Bondietti, Annabelle Marshall, Keely Rodrigo, Malia Harrison, Millie Boehm. Coach: Kate Carpenter.

Under-23: Anais Simo, Caitlin Bull, Deonye Fyfe, Eliza Rixon, Grace Korovata, Hayley Matthew, Kalesi Tawake, Kaycie Arena, Lily O'Brien, Rachel Gubler, Scarlett Kris, Taylah Chancellor. Coach: Kim Symons.