Latest news with #CentralPulse
RNZ News
27-07-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
ANZ Premiership grand final: Mystics v Tactix
Northern Mystics celebrate a halftime lead against Central Pulse. Photo: Marty Melville / Photosport It's grand final time in this year's ANZ Premiership - can the all-conquering Northern Mystics make it three titles in a row? Play starts at 4pm. Follow all the action with RNZ's live blog:
RNZ News
27-07-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
ANZ Premiership grand final live updates: Northern Mystics v Mainland Tactix
Northern Mystics celebrate a halftime lead against Central Pulse. Photo: Marty Melville / Photosport It's grand final time in this year's ANZ Premiership - can the all-conquering Northern Mystics make it three titles in a row? Play starts at 4pm. Follow all the action with RNZ's live blog:
RNZ News
22-07-2025
- Sport
- 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
22-07-2025
- Sport
- 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.
Scoop
21-07-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
Silver Ferns Captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio Announces Unavailability For 2025 International Season
Silver Ferns captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio has today confirmed she will be making herself unavailable for the 2025 international netball season, stepping back from the national side after more than a decade at the top of the game. Since making her debut in 2014, Ekenasio has proudly worn the black dress 79 times, playing a key role in New Zealand's 2019 Netball World Cup triumph and captaining the team to victory in the 2021 and 2024 Constellation Cup series, along with multiple Taini Jamison Trophy wins. Renowned for her calm leadership and long-range accuracy, Ekenasio has been a powerful force both on and off the court. She was named Silver Ferns captain in 2021 and returned to the role after the birth of her second child. Reflecting on her decision, Ekenasio said choosing to step away from the Silver Ferns for the upcoming international season wasn't an easy decision, but it's one I've thought deeply about. 'I need this break—for my mind, body, and spirit. It's been an amazing journey, but now it's time to listen to what I need personally and take space to reset.' 'It's been the greatest honour to represent Aotearoa and to lead this group of amazing women. There is so much talent and within the Ferns environment and I'm excited for what lies ahead.' Silver Ferns head coach Dame Noeline Taurua acknowledges Ekenasio's decision: 'I've always supported athletes in making decisions that are right for them. I fully respect Ameliaranne's choice to step away from the international stage at this time. As a mother and wife, supporting a growing family, alongside the demands of being a high-performance athlete and carrying significant leadership responsibilities, the load can be immense. I personally understand that sometimes being everything to everyone simply isn't sustainable'. There's no doubt she will be deeply missed this year, her leadership, presence and unique skillsets are irreplaceable. At the same time, I truly admire her selfless decision. It reflects a deep understanding of the commitment required to be a Silver Fern, and her integrity to step back when she can't give it her all right now'. 'I look forward to welcoming Ameliaranne back when she is ready.' Born in Queensland and of Ngāpuhi descent, Ekenasio made the move to Wellington in 2014 to join the Central Pulse, going on to forge a remarkable international career built on resilience and determination—returning from injury, personal adversity, and motherhood to lead the Silver Ferns with distinction.
