Silver Ferns coach breaks down selection decisions

Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua was able to give one of the most dominant players in the ANZ Premiership a long anticipated recall yesterday.

Monday's 2025-26 Silver Ferns squad naming was highlighted by the inclusion of shooter Grace Nweke, who has been given an exemption, despite playing in Australia.

But Nweke would have also been thrilled for her former Mystics team-mate Peta Toeava, who was named in the squad for the first time in three years.

The 169cm wing attack got her first Test cap in 2018, before earning another brief call-up in 2021/22. But Toeava has only played eight Tests, due mostly to her inability to pass the strict fitness targets.

But for the first time in a long time Silver Ferns selectors were able to pick who they wanted, with all 18 players named yesterday passing the required fitness standards.

"Either at the beginning of the season or halfway through the ANZ Premiership season, so they've all been ticked off. They've all improved amazingly actually from where they started to where they are now," Taurua said.

She said Toeava's game had improved as a result and she was thrilled she could deliver good news to the 31-year-old.

"Usually I've rung her up and it hasn't been a nice phone call but I'm elated for her. She was able to get herself over the mark, she committed hugely to what needed to happen and I believe through her improved physical capability as well we've been able to see what she can do out on court for the Mystics and her ability to play at a high intensity week in, week out, let alone within the game itself so I can't wait to work again with her.

"I don't know who was more excited, me or her, but she was really chuffed, we've gone through disappointing phone calls and this one was so different. Sort of reminded me a bit like Kimiora Poi, she had been in and out for so many years and there comes a stage where they are so committed that they do what they need to do to get themselves over the line."

Toeava spent years feeding Nweke at the Mystics, with the pair developing an almost telepathic connection.

Nweke was initially ineligible for the Silver Ferns after deciding to the play for the New South Wales Swifts but was given an exemption following the recent U-turn by Netball New Zealand to take a more flexible approach.

Dame Noeline is relieved Nweke, who will return to the Swifts next year, is available to her.

"Knowing how big a player she is, I'm elated. I'm really excited and with her experience that she's been able to gain in SSN (Suncorp Super Netball) with her time with Swifts can only be valuable for all of us."

New look shooting circle

Six uncapped players were named in the 18-strong squad, including three shooters.

The goal attack position is wide open and Georgia Heffernan, who had an impressive debut series in January last year, might be the first cab off the rank.

But debutants Saviour Tui, Martina Salmon and Filda Vui have a huge opportunity to put their hands up, with Ameliaranne Ekenasio not available.

Dame Noeline sees Salmon as being a genuine option in both shooting positions.

"I feel that she can slide, that's an opportunity that we will look at with Saviour as well. At the moment we need options so having those players in the mix is going to be valuable."

Maia Wilson made herself unavailable, opting to take a break.

"I hope with a lot of those players that they can come back to the Silver Ferns next year knowing that it's a Commonwealth Games year. For her to have a break now is the best time for it in the long-run, hopefully we can get her back in the mix next year."

It's getting tough

The level of depth in the midcourt meant there was no room for Claire O'Brien, who debuted last year, and 44 Test-cap Whitney Souness, who first played for the Ferns in 2017.

"The big thing that's starting to happen with some of our players for example Maddy Gordon, she can nearly play three positions and with her going to wing attack at the Pulse when Whitney was injured showed how strong she is there, knowing she's also played centre for us.

"Kimiora Poi is another slide as well and then we've got Kate Heffernan who can swing from wing defence to centre so some of these players are so adaptable that unless you're sort of number one in your chosen area it becomes hard for others to crack in."

Dame Noeline was also impressed with Tactix wing defence Paris Lokotui and former Silver Fern Michaela Sokolich-Beatson, but there wasn't space for them.

"Particularly when Michaela went into goal defence for the Mystics ... but it's hard because Kate Heffernan plays in wing defence and Karin Burger can slide over, Parris Mason can also slide, and Kate Burley can play all three positions so it's getting tough and competition is rife."

One player who did manage to crack into the main squad after several years in the development squad was Tayla Earle.

"She's consistent and was able to also improve her defensive game and turn over ball when it was really needed and there were moments where she really shone and with Mystics having such a strong season that was hard to do, but she stood her ground and I think she's just starting to show the next levels she's been able to do."

Next Gen defensive end

Defenders Catherine Hall and Carys Stythe were named in Monday's squad for the first time off the back of impressive ANZ Premiership campaigns.

With Stythe 22-years-old and Hall just 21, the Silver Ferns coach believes the duo could have long international careers.

"Both of them have been amazing and I can't wait to be able to work with them. Not only looking ahead for the 2027 World Cup, that's another two years away and how much they can do in that space but also beyond as well so you know they may be the future goal keep and goal defence after 2027 and alongside some of our current players we have, it's a beautiful mix."

Kate Burley, who was ruled out of most of the ANZ Premiership with a foot injury, will be ready for a return to court by the time the first camp comes around in September.

Parris Mason, who suffered a nasty neck injury towards the end of the domestic season, will be on a more gradual path and the Silver Ferns coach said it was too early to say when she might be ready.

New Zealand host South Africa next month in a three-Test series, before the Constellation Cup series with Australia in October.

Netball NZ recently confirmed the Ferns will travel to the UK in November to play Scotland before finishing the year with three tests against England, who beat the Silver Ferns 2-1 in last year's Taini Jamison series.

The Silver Ferns coach said England were a dangerous side and her players needed to be exposed to them.

"You know we pushed really hard to get that. It's a relief to have those extra tests so we can provide opportunities for players to get some good court time otherwise that would have made life difficult for us going into the Commonwealth Games."

She is anticipating they will face a strong England line-up - "They also have a series against Jamaica after us and as I understand you know they are going for it so it's a good opportunity for us."

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