2025/2026 Silver Ferns Squad Announced
Nweke, who has been given an exemption under the updated eligibility criteria and process, is eligible to play for the Silver Ferns throughout 2025 and 2026 and will join Amelia Walmsley, Georgia Heffernan and newcomers Filda Vui, Martina Salmon and Saviour Tui in the shooting circle.
Defenders Catherine Hall and Carys Stythe are also in the squad for the first time having both made an impact in the ANZ Premiership this year.
Hall was a standout for the Mystics where her form earned her a regular starting spot in the defensive circle in just her second fully contracted season with the side.
Stythe, elevated into the Silver Ferns Squad following her time with the Development Squad, had a strong maiden season with the Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel during the ANZ Premiership where she was recognised for her aerial game.
Midcourter Peta Toeava has also earned a recall into the squad, having debuted in the black dress in 2018 and earning eight Test Caps. She had a dominant season for the Mystics which reached the ANZ Premiership Grand Final.
Stars midcourter Mila Reuelu-Buchanan is also back in the Silver Ferns squad after 10 months out in 2024 with an ACL injury.
Silver Ferns head coach Dame Noeline Taurua said it was exciting to finalise the Silver Fern squad, particularly ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games and the 2027 Netball World Cup.
'We have a number of experienced players who are unavailable for selection for the upcoming Silver Ferns' matches so this is an important time to build new connections and combinations ahead of two massive pinnacle event years,' she said.
'I was very pleased to see Grace apply for an exemption under the updated eligibility criteria and process and we are thrilled that the Netball New Zealand Board approved it so she can play for the Silver Ferns in 2025 and 2026.'
Taurua said Hall and Stythe both earned their places in the squad through their consistency on the ANZ Premiership court this year.
'It's exciting to know most of these current squad members have the potential to be around for a few Netball World Cup cycles. These squads are demonstrating the new generation of players coming through and the depth we have been building over numerous years. This is our opportunity to bring them together to work towards a common goal.'
The Silver Ferns team to play in next month's Taini Jamison Trophy will be selected in early September.
Maia Wilson, Ameliaranne Ekenasio, Te Paea Selby-Rickit, Tiana Metuarau and Jane Watson were all unavailable for the 2025 international season.
2025/2026 SILVER FERNS SQUAD
Shooters
*Grace Nweke
Amelia Walmsley
Martina Salmon
Georgia Heffernan
Filda Vui
Saviour Tui
Midcourters
Maddy Gordon
Kate Heffernan
Mila Reuelu-Buchanan
Peta Toeava
Tayla Earle
Kimiora Poi
Defenders
Karin Burger
Kate Burley
Kelly Jackson
Catherine Hall
Carys Stythe
Parris Mason
*As previously announced, the Netball New Zealand Board reviewed the Silver Ferns selection policy and updated the eligibility criteria and process, introducing greater flexibility for athletes wishing to play overseas while upholding the integrity of national selection.
Grace Nweke has applied for an exemption under the new updated policy, which has been approved by the Netball New Zealand Board. Her exemption is effective from 1 September 2025 to 31 December 2026, making her eligible for Silver Ferns selection throughout the 2025 & 2026 seasons.
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