Netball New Zealand Board Updates Silver Ferns Eligibility Criteria To Allow Greater Flexibility
The revised criteria will now allow athletes playing abroad the opportunity to be considered for Silver Ferns selection through a formal exemption process. This update reflects the evolving nature of elite netball globally and Netball New Zealand's commitment to supporting athlete welfare, performance, and long-term development
Netball New Zealand Board Chair Matt Whineray said the Board recognised the need for a more flexible and responsive approach.
'We've listened to the game and believe this is a positive step forward,' said Whineray.
'This update strikes a balance between flexibility and fairness, acknowledging the increasingly global nature of netball while continuing to protect the integrity of our domestic competitions and the mana of the Silver Ferns.
Netball New Zealand Chief Executive Jennie Wyllie said the change ensures athletes are supported through clear and transparent decision-making.
'Ultimately, the purpose of this proposed process is to ensure that all exemption requests are evaluated fairly, consistently, and transparently,' said Wyllie.
'It safeguards the athlete through a structured and transparent approach, while upholding the broader interests of Netball New Zealand, the Silver Ferns, and the ANZ Premiership competition.'
Netball New Zealand will implement the updated criteria ahead of the upcoming international season, with clear guidelines and assessment measures for any exemption applications.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
RNZ News
10 hours ago
- RNZ News
Netball's ANZ Premiership is not delivering says former Silver Fern
Kelly Jackson of the Central Pulse and Ellie Bird of the Tactix tussle for the ball, 2025. Photo: © Photosport Ltd 2025 Kelly Jackson of the Central Pulse and Ellie Bird of the Tactix tussle for the ball, 2025. Photo: © Photosport Ltd 2025 Former Silver Fern Margaret Foster believes the ANZ Premiership has failed to produce the improvements to the game that Netball New Zealand had hoped for and is backing the change to the player eligibility rule. This week Netball New Zealand announced it had updated the Silver Ferns' eligibility criteria , paving the way for greater flexibility for athletes who wish to play overseas. That means the likes of goal shoot Grace Nweke, who has been playing for the New South Wales Swifts in the Australian League, could become available for selection for the Ferns this year. Until now players had to be playing in New Zealand to be considered for selection for the national side. "I get what they (Netball New Zealand) hoped to achieve to keep them all back here but no it (ANZ Premiership) is not delivering," Foster told RNZ. While it would be nice to have all of New Zealand's top athletes playing here, Foster said it was unrealistic with overseas clubs and competitions offering more money. "We're not in a privileged position where we're this massive professional sport where athletes are earning lots of money. "You want to have your best players available in your calendar year, that's why football do it well. "Regardless of where you are playing your netball you need to have your best athletes available." The Trans-Tasman Netball League ran for nine years between 2008 and 2016. Foster, who also coached in that competition, believed the game and therefore quality of the play here would improve by rejoining the Australian competition. "We definitely need to get back into the top league in the world which is the one based in Australia." Magic's Head Coach Noeline Taurua (R) and Assistant Coach Margaret Foster. 2011. Photo: Anthony Au-Yeung / PHOTOSPORT Also this week, Silver Ferns captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio announced she would miss this year's internationals . Foster said Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua would be relieved that Ekenasio's decision may be offset by the possible return of Nweke to the Ferns' attacking circle. "A hundred percent thank goodness. Having the two power houses out that would be devastating for the Silver Ferns programme. "But knowing that the likes of a Grace who is playing over there in a tougher competition and playing against the top players in the world, that can only bode well for us." The Silver Ferns would play a series against South Africa in September, before the Constellation Cup series with Australia in October. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
NZ Herald
13 hours ago
- NZ Herald
Ekenasio's 2025 departure prompts Silver Ferns leadership questions
Ameliaranne Ekenasio in action at the Netball World Cup in 2023. Photo / Supplied Who should replace Ekenasio as captain? Kelly Jackson. Simple as that. The 1.92m goal keep is one of the most dominant in netball and her place in the Ferns is unquestionable. At 28 years old, Jackson could have at least five-plus years left at the top level, but has also experienced the highs and greatest lows of international sport. Across 72 test caps dating back to 2017, Jackson has won two Constellation Cups, a number of Taini Jamison series and back-to-back ANZ Premiership titles with the Central Pulse in 2019 and 2020. She also played a key role in the NZ U21 team's unbeaten run to the Youth World Cup title in 2017. Not to mention, she's won the Dame Lois Muir Supreme Award – recognising the country's best player – for the past three years in a row. With Ameliaranne Ekenasio (left) stepping away, Kelly Jackson is a contender to lead the Silver Ferns. Photo / Photosport Major shoulder and Achilles injuries derailed the early part of Jackson's career, leading her to miss out on the Silver Ferns' victorious 2019 World Cup squad. The Central Pulse captain was the standout player in New Zealand's heartbreaking loss to England in the 2023 World Cup semifinal in South Africa. Speaking to her after the game, her frustration was obvious given the sheer number of turnovers she had won which the attacking end failed to capitalise upon. Jackson shares many qualities with Ekenasio. She comes across as a kind, thoughtful personality who doesn't shy away from stating her mind. Her prowess is not displayed through words but her actions on court. Jackson clearly has the respect of her teammates. These are not only qualities to be admired, but they are critical in calmly leading a group of young, passionate and driven athletes. Kate Heffernan in action against Australia last year. Photo / Photosport The other obvious choice for skipper is Kate Heffernan. The current Silver Ferns vice-captain, I have no doubt Heffernan will lead New Zealand one day and coach Dame Noeline Taurua might decide now is the right time. The Southern Steel skipper is 25 years old and was named midcourter of the tournament at the 2023 World Cup. With the versatility to play centre, wing defence and wing attack, 'Kate Heffernan' is the first name you write down when selecting a Silver Ferns midcourt. Having already played international cricket in a pair of T20s for the White Ferns in 2018, Heffernan has proven to become the best at whatever she sets her mind to. However, the main thing Heffernan has on her side is time. Allowing her to continue to flourish in the vice-captaincy role under Jackson will only add to her mana when she ascends to the captaincy in years to come. Heffernan will resume leading the Steel, who produced a remarkable turnaround this year under new coach Wendy Frew after two years finishing dead last on the ANZ Premiership ladder. Who becomes the new primary Silver Ferns goal attack? This question is a lot harder to answer. Ekenasio has been the go-to goal attack for years now – her place in the shooting circle has never really been under threat. The problem is complicated further by Te Paea Selby-Rickit's bizarre unavailability. The Mainland Tactix shooter hasn't featured since the pool stage of the 2023 World Cup, where she played extremely well and was subsequently benched for the rest of the tournament. Taurua and Ekenasio have emphasised the need to diversify the shooting circle to be more competent from range, after getting exposed for being one-dimensional when Grace Nweke struck out with injury in the last World Cup. There are two leading contenders, but neither of them is truly convincing. Filda Vui is a contender to claim the goal attack bib. Photo / Photosport Filda Vui has been outstanding in the Northern Mystics' march to yet another ANZ Premiership grand final. No longer overshadowed by the departed Grace Nweke, Vui was forced to play a more dominant role when Diamonds attacker Donnell Wallam went down injured. The 29-year-old is the competition's most successful two-point shooter, slotting 28 from 44 attempts at a staggering 63.6%. A two-time ANZ Premiership winner, Vui has been around the block. She was called into the Silver Ferns Quad Series squad in 2022 but never earned her debut test cap. Southern Steel goal attack Georgia Heffernan made her debut for the Silver Ferns at last year's Nations Cup. Adept from long range, Heffernan has no issue opting to shoot in higher-pressure moments. While the 25-year-old's ANZ Premiership stats aren't as glamorous – shooting at 34.1% from two-point range and 81.5% in one-pointers – she overcame a slow start with a strong second half of the domestic season as the Steel threatened the top three. Martina Salmon of the Tactix could have a shot with the Silver Ferns. Photo / Photosport Tactix attacker Martina Salmon looked to be a brilliant long-range prospect after putting New Zealand into last year's Fast5 grand final in Christchurch with a buzzer-beating six-point shot against South Africa. However, she simply hasn't had enough game time this year to confidently throw her into the test arena. Frustratingly, her path has been blocked by Selby-Rickit and Ellie Bird, both of whom have ruled themselves out of international selection. At the Central Pulse, Tiana Metuarau hasn't reached the same heights of 2022 and 2023, but she is in part a victim of the dominance of attacking teammate Amelia Walmsley. Amorangi Malesala has invented a specialist role for herself, coming on as a two-point specialist in the last five minutes of each quarter for the Pulse. Malesala is one of the best range shooters in the ANZ Premiership, but with limited minutes and Taurua's ruthless fitness standards this may have hindered her test hopes. Maia Wilson would bring experience to the Silver Ferns attack. Photo / Photosport It could be tempting to return to Stars shooter Maia Wilson, given her 52 test caps and the relatively minimal experience levels of the other shooting options. In the goal shoot bib, 23-year-old Grace Nweke is likely to receive an eligibility exemption given Netball New Zealand's revamped application process, while 21-year-old Walmsley is yet to truly find her feet in the Ferns dress. However, Wilson just hasn't been among the ANZ Premiership's best players this season, shooting at just 83.3%. Wilson was hampered by the Stars' injury-ravaged midcourt, while Australian fellow attacker Charlie Bell struggled to adapt to the New Zealand style. Gold medals on the line The Silver Ferns face South Africa across three Taini Jamison tests in late September, before the Constellation Cup defence starts against Australia in the back half of October. One thing is for certain, Dame Noeline Taurua's decision-making in these two areas will shape the Silver Ferns' chances of Commonwealth Games gold next year and World Cup glory in 2027. Nathan Limm has been a journalist with Newstalk ZB and the NZ Herald since 2020. He covered the Netball World Cup in Cape Town in 2023, hosts The Big League Podcast and commentates rugby and netball for Gold Sport.
Newsroom
15 hours ago
- Newsroom
A Diamond recut: Mystics reignite Wallam's sparkle
Something clicked for Donnell Wallam this season with the Mystics – and it wasn't just the sound of her wrist breaking. It was as though she'd found her netball people. 'I've never felt so comfortable in a team before. I just relate to a lot of the girls so much more,' says the Australian Diamonds goal shoot, and proud Noongar woman, just days away from playing in the first elite netball grand final of her career. 'You know, the Aboriginal culture and the Māori culture are so similar. It's as simple as some of the language we use with each other, and I just felt at ease straight away. That's what I've enjoyed most.' Yet Wallam, unwanted in Australia's top league, admits she was 'initially scared' to join the Mystics, stepping into the giant shoes left by Grace Nweke. Then she'd barely got started before it all came crashing down – a fractured wrist in just the third round of the ANZ Premiership threatened to end her season. So when doctors gave her six weeks to recover, she told them she'd only need four – and slotted back into the Mystics shooting circle in round eight with little trace of discomfort. 'I think I've come over here, taken on the challenge and it's made me a better player. I've really developed my game here,' the 31-year-old says. On Sunday, Wallam will line up in the premiership grand final in a Mystics side who've been all the better for her presence. Assistant coach Rob Wright, also an Aussie, says the shooter known in the team as Nelly has been a joy to work with. 'There's something about Nelly. People really warm to her, she's really humble and understated, and then she backs it up on court,' he says. 'And she always wants to be better.' Mystics veteran Peta Toeava has been like 'a big sister' to newcomer Wallam this season. Photo: Northern Mystics Wallam's success on court here – shooting 275 goals at 88 percent, even after missing four games, and seamlessly falling into sync with magical Mystics feeder Peta Toeava – has attracted attention across the Tasman. The Mystics offered Wallam a lifeline after she failed to score a contract with a Suncorp Super Netball franchise this year – let go by the Queensland Firebirds after three seasons, who signed up Ugandan star Mary Cholhok (they finished at the bottom of the table with just two wins). Wallam made headlines in Australia last week when she was invited back to the Australian Diamonds' training camps. This time, though, it's essentially as a training partner – losing her place in the national squad she's been in since 2022. 'It's a bit of a different role this time as an invitee, but I'm still grateful to have that opportunity again,' Wallam says, taking it all in her long stride. 'It's always an honour. 'There may be an opportunity to be elevated, otherwise you're in and around the environment still learning and developing your game.' Regardless of the outcome in the grand final against Tactix, a home game for the Mystics at west Auckland's Trusts Arena, Wallam will return to Western Australia with more than she arrived here with. 'I've got so much more family now. The Mystics are my family away from home,' she says. Donnell Wallam unbalances Tactix keeper Jane Watson during the Mystics's 70-56 win in their last round match. Photo: Michael Bradley Photography Defending premiership champions for two years' running, the Mystics had their doubters at the start of the season. 'I don't think many people picked us to make the grand final,' Wright says. 'They may have picked us in the top three.' You can blame it on the Nweke Factor. Losing the prolific Silver Ferns goal shooter was seen as a blow the Mystics might struggle to come back from. When Wright and Mystics head coach Tia Winikerei heard Nweke was signing with the NSW Swifts, they started their search for a new shooter. 'It's not easy to replace a 55-plus goal shooter,' Wright says. 'There was a suggestion Nelly wasn't going to have a spot [in the SSN league], and we were thinking she would be a really good pick-up for us – in terms of how our midcourt operates and how we play our games.' Megan Anderson, a former Diamonds shooter who played her final season of elite netball for the Mystics, coached Wallam at the Firebirds and is now her manager. That connection helped the Mystics coaching team make their approach. 'We were fortunate Nelly was really keen to come to us,' Wright says. Wallam met two ANZ Premiership teams. 'Once I spoke to Tia, I was initially scared. Like a good scared, though,' she says. 'That was a main reason I chose Mystics – I knew I'd be challenged in a different way. 'It was playing different styles of netball over here, being able to adapt to the moment, and not being that one-dimensional tall, holding shooter. So I don't become too predictable.' But there was one thing that made her think twice about joining the defending champions: replacing Nweke. 'I didn't want to go to a team where I had to fill the void left by Grace, because she's an amazing athlete,' Wallam says. 'But Tia reassured me they weren't looking to replace her; they wanted me to be me, and play to my strengths.' Immediately, the Mystics coaches were impressed by Wallam's 'thirst to improve', Wright says. 'You can tell her something and she'll go, 'Yeah, I'll do that', and she puts it into effect pretty quickly. She's easy to coach.' Wallam swiftly found her place in the shooting circle alongside Filda Vui, now in her fifth season with the Mystics. Vui has had one of her best seasons in 2025, thriving on her new responsibility in the circle, and the introduction of the super shot. The 29-year-old has sunk 28 two-pointers (with 64 percent accuracy), and some were game clinchers. 'Filly has stepped into a more influential role, more dominant, than previously,' says Wright. 'It means the opposition's having to worry about two targets, and especially with the two-point shot. It just keeps them guessing even more.' Wallam and Filda Vui have worked hard to keep defenders guessing this season, especially in supershot zones. Photo: Northern Mystics Wallam's been struck by how cool, calm and collected Vui has been, especially when the game is on the line. 'Nothing fazes Filda out there,' Wallam says. 'It's so nice to have such a confident goal attack to play with, who I can swing the ball out to for the supershot, and it takes some of the pressure off me.' And then there's pairing up with Toeava – one of the shrewdest, smartest feeders in the game. For years, her miracle passes to Nweke stole the spotlight, but she's proven she's no one-trick pony, setting up Wallam under the post with just as much flair and precision. Toeava and Wallam have spent a lot of one-on-one time together, honing exactly when and where to deliver the ball. 'I've got to give huge credit to Rob and Tia and the way they've structured our training so we've had the opportunity to gel like we have,' Wallam says. 'It's given us the upper hand; we know each other so well on court. 'Sometimes, I want to sit back in the goal circle and watch Peta do her thing, but then I've got to have my eyes open ever single time she has a hand on the ball – I have to expect the ball from anywhere. 'She's such a workhorse. In trainings, she sets the standard. She's someone you want to play for, like having a big sister in the team. I've loved playing with her.' A pained Donnell Wallam after fracturing her wrist in the Mystics' third round clash with the Steel. Photo: Michael Bradley Photography Wallam continues to play with a brace on her wrist since her unlucky break against the Steel in her third ANZ Premiership game. As she fell out of court, diving to keep a rebounded ball in, Wallam had a sinking feeling she'd broken a bone. 'I went off, strapped it up and tried to catch a few balls, but couldn't do it without pain. I was trying to convince myself and everyone around me it wasn't broken, just a bit sore. But I'd felt that kind of pain when I broke my arm a few years ago.' Wallam was in England in 2021, when she suffered a break to that same arm in her second game for the Leeds Rhinos. She was sidelined for seven weeks yet was rated the Super League's most accurate shooter at 95 percent. The following year she became the first Indigenous player in the Diamonds in 22 years. This year, x-rays showed she a small fracture in her left wrist – one she was determined wouldn't end her season. 'When the doctor said six weeks, I said 'give me four',' she says. She impressed the Mystics team by still turning up to every training and working with young shooter Sophia Lafaiali'i, called up from the Northern Marvels NNL side to fill the Diamond's role. She stood on the sideline yelling encouragement at home games. 'I didn't really like watching because I was just too close! I was a bit down on myself for that injury,' Wallam says. 'But it also gave me confidence we have so much depth in our squad that we can go to our bench no matter what. She credits the Mystics' medical team, as well as the Australian Diamonds' doctor, for giving her the right advice and getting her back on court five weeks later. 'I was just so happy to run out on the boards with the girls again, and to wear the Mystics' heritage dress, which meant a lot to me,' says Wallam. In three weeks, Wallam will return home to her 'puppies' – two miniature dachshunds. And she'll prepare for a couple of camps with the Australian Diamonds squad in September – one of four invitees who are essentially training partners to the 18-player squad. Diamonds coach Stacey Marinkovich told Fox Netball that after Wallam's disrupted season, she was 'keen to see what she's evolved in her game, what she's learnt playing in a different environment,' and how she can regain her connection with the squad. The 1.93m shooter could be a real asset for the Diamonds in the Constellation Cup in October, having got the better of New Zealand defenders throughout the premiership. Wallam's Auckland flat will soon disband, with fellow Aussies and Stars players, Remi Kamo and Charlie Bell, heading home too. 'It's been really fun living with them, having some familiarity over here, and bouncing our thoughts off each other after trainings, games and stuff,' Wallam says. Now Netball NZ has changed the Silver Ferns' eligibility rules, and Nweke could play another season in Australia and still wear the black dress, it's uncertain whether Wallam will return for another season in Auckland – especially with the future of the premiership here still to be revealed. But she's certain about one thing: 'I've absolutely loved it here.' Mystics and Tactix square off in the ANZ Premiership grand final in Auckland on Sunday at 4pm (the game will be live on Sky Sport). On the same day, Grace Nweke's Swifts will host the SSN preliminary final against the Vixens.
