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RNZ News
11-08-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Silver Ferns coach breaks down selection decisions
Peta Toeava during the Constellation Cup netball series in 2022. Photo: Aaron Gillions / 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." Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/ 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." 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. Georgia Heffernan of New Zealand Silver Ferns in action during the 2024 Nations Cup. Photo: PHOTOSPORT 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." 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." There was no room for Whitney Souness and Michaela Sokolich-Beatson. Photo: Marty Melville 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." 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." Carys Stythe (left) and Catherine Hall. Photo: Photosport 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." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
11-08-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Grace Nweke and Peta Toeava set to reunite for Silver Ferns
Grace Nweke (left) and Elisapeta Toeava Photo: Photosport Netball New Zealand has confirmed the 2025/2026 Silver Ferns squad which features the inclusion of star shooter Grace Nweke and her old Mystics teammate Peta Toeava. Two new defensive options in 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. Nweke has been given an exemption under the updated eligibility criteria and process and is eligible to play for the Silver Ferns throughout 2025 and 2026, despite playing in the Australian league this year. Nweke headlines a new-look shooting circle which includes Amelia Walmsley, Georgia Heffernan and newcomers Filda Vui, Martina Salmon and Saviour Tui. Shooters Maia Wilson, Ameliaranne Ekenasio, Te Paea Selby-Rickit, and Tiana Metuarau were all unavailable for selection for the 2025 season. 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 Southern Steel during the ANZ Premiership where she was recognised for her aerial game. Midcourter Toeava has also earned a recall into the squad, having debuted in the black dress in 2018 and earning eight Test Caps. She had another dominant season for the Mystics, who reached the ANZ Premiership grand final. Toeava spent years feeding Nweke at the Mystics with the pair having an almost telepathic connection. Stars midcourter Mila Reuelu-Buchanan is also back in the Silver Ferns squad after 10 months out in 2024 with an ACL injury. Mystics midcourter Tayla Earle, who earned two test caps in January last year, has also been promoted from the development squad. Carys Stythe (left) and Catherine Hall (right) Photo: Photosport But there wasn't room in the midcourt for Claire O'Brien, who debuted last year, or 44-test cap Whitney Souness. There was also no room for wing defence Paris Lokotui, who had a fantastic season with the title winning Tactix. 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. Jane Watson was also unavailable for the 2025 international season. 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 Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
08-06-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Netball: How the Mystics undid the Pulse
The Mystics celebrate. Photo: Marty Melville / Photosport The Pulse were on a roll and the Mystics were missing two key personnel, but in stepped an apprentice training partner and a solid game plan. The Mystics brought speed and composure to dominate the Pulse for a 64-51 win in Wellington on Sunday. It pushed the defending champions up to second spot on the ANZ Premiership ladder at the halfway point of the regular season, ahead of the Pulse, and just behind the Tactix. Mystics assistant coach Rob Wright said they knew that footing it with the vastly experienced Pulse midcourt would be key. "We knew coming here that the midcourt was probably our only really experienced area so if they held up we thought 'it gives ourselves a little bit of a shot' and I thought they did a terrific job. So did the ends but I thought that the midcourt really did a great job," Wright said. Peta Toeava, Tayla Earle, and Katie Te Ao were able to negate Pulse midcourters Whitney Souness, Maddy Gordon, and Fa'amu Ioane. Wright said Souness and Gordon in particular form the Pulse engine room and slowing them down would in turn make life difficult for their shooters. "They're pretty scary because they just keep going and they can just keep reworking it and they've got speed to burn so it's about trying to slow them down and then try and build some pressure and I thought we did that pretty well." The Mystics experienced their first loss of the season when they were beaten by 11 goals to the Tactix in the previous round and Wright said there was a lot of determination to bounce back from that. "The Tactix did a terrific job last week but I thought we let ourselves down and I thought we probably learnt a lot from last week and put it into this week." Mystics Peta Toeava (L) with Pulse's Fa'amu Ioane. Photo: Marty Melville / Photosport The Mystics were without import shooter Donnell Wallam for the game against the Tactix, with the Australian Diamond injuring her wrist near the end of their round three game. There were doubts about how the Mystics would fair without their strike shooter again. They were also without defender Holly Rae on Sunday, due to illness. "Sometimes you've got nothing to lose right, I'm not sure if people would have expected us to even win this game so sometimes you play with a bit more freedom." The Mystics led 15-11 after the first quarter and were able to block out the noise generated by the Pulse home crowd. Wright said the Pulse have done a lot of damage to teams in the first quarter and they wanted to make sure that didn't happen. "They've ripped people apart early and we knew that if we could hang with them you at least give yourself a shot and I thought we did a nice job in the first quarter." After getting 17 minutes against the Tactix in her first ANZ Premiership game, rookie Sophia Lafaiali'i started the game against the Pulse and put up an incredible 45 shots at 98 percent accuracy. Lafaiali'i is one of the Mystics apprentice training partners, who generally come to training once a week. "It's just straight out amazing isn't it, she did a great job and sometimes I think you've got no fear, you come out and you just play ... because we weren't sure how it was going to go and she did a terrific job and hence why we left her out there," Wright said. At over 6 foot, Lafaiali'i was a great target and never wavered from her holding game, despite coming up against Silver Ferns goal keep Kelly Jackson. Donnell Wallam Photo: Andrew Cornaga/ Mystics Goal keep Catherine Hall put plenty of pressure on Amelia Walmsley, who shot 38 goals at 100 percent. The Mystics were so solid across the entire court that no substitutions were made at all, which is quite a rare thing now. The Mystics won the second quarter by a whopping 21-13, thanks in part to Filda Vui nailing three super shots. The experienced goal attack proved a handful for the Pulse and has fast become one of the most dangerous two-point shooters in the competition. Lafaiali'i then put the icing on the cake with a Super Shot on the buzzer and the Mystics led 36-24 at half-time. The Pulse would chip back a few goals in the second half but the Mystics always responded with a run of their own. The Mystics now have a four-game winning streak over the Pulse, including of course last year's grand final when they pipped them by one goal. Wright said Wallam was likely to be a couple of weeks off a return. "She's back doing some modified training so probably at least another couple of weeks I would suggest." The Mystics are hoping Rae will be back next week. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Scoop
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
Mystics Pip Steel To Stay On Top
The Northern Mystics kept their unbeaten record intact after snatching a dramatic last-gasp 55-54 win over Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel to close out Round 3 in Dunedin on Monday. Losing their key shooting weapon Donnell Wallam just ahead of the three-quarter break to injury, the Mystics produced a masterstroke when shifting dynamic midcourt pivot Peta Toeava into the goal attack role for the last nine minutes. It turned out to be a pulsating nine minutes, Toeava proving she's a magician in most positions on the court as the teams turned on a thirilling contest. Down by five at the last break, intercepts to defender Carys Stythe and Kimiora Poi set the Steel up for a spirited comeback. Mystics shooter Filda Vui negated the Steel's two-point lead to level the scores with a super shot with under two minutes to play. One last Holly Rae turnover gave the Mystics the sniff they needed to clinch a hard-fought win against an impressive Steel challenge. The result helped the visitors retain the Georgina Salter Memorial Trophy in a match which also celebrated umpire Kristie Simpson, who was officiating in her 150th national league match. Still missing midcourter Kate Heffernan through injury, the Steel retained their winning starting seven from the previous week. For the visitors, goal attack Hannah Glen got her first start of the season in an otherwise predictable line-up. The connection between clever feeder Peta Toeava and her tall shooting target Wallam was evident from the first whistle as the Mystics quickly sprung into action with their quick through-court transition. The Steel needed to show more patience threading the ball through in the face of strong defence but showing traits of old, the southerners ball retention was a feature. The visitors held the slimmest of early leads where Wallam and her opposite Aliyah Dunn showed perfect positioning and great accuracy under the hoop. With everything very even on the statistics sheet, a steady, calm and patient Steel forged their way into the lead, Georgia Heffernan nailing the first and only super shot of the quarter to take the momentum and a 17-13 lead into the first break. Both shooters remained in dominant form on the resumption where a goal-for-goal stand-off was the order of play for the opening exchanges. Both teams spun the ball through court seamlessly with Steel centre Poi in the thick of all the action. A lift in the Mystics intensity helped the visitors eventually gain the slightest of edges through the second spell. The injection of super shot specialist Vui at goal attack for the last five minutes paid off handsomely in changing momentum the Mystics' way.. With unassuming ease, Vui drilled three super shots to Heffernan's one as the Mystics hit the front when taking a tenuous 31-30 lead at the main break. The Mystics opened the third quarter with serious intent, tightening the screws and disrupting the Steel's attacking flow. Captain Micahela Sokolich-Beatson was a telling presence from wing defence, upsetting the Steel's feeds into the circle while getting her hands on a succession of turnover ball. It resulted in errors from the Steel, who at the other end of the court couldn't harness the growing dominance of pin-point feeds from Toeava and Vui into the safe hands of Wallam. With the Mystics lead stretching out to six, Dunn showed she could shoot from anywhere when slotting a super shot to keep the Steel well in the race. Disaster struck on the brink of three-quarter time when Wallam fell heavily while trying to retrieve a rebound, sustaining a wrist injury in the process and forcing her off the court. Vui went back to goal shoot with Glen returning to goal attack as the Mystics headed into the last break with a 47-42 lead.
NZ Herald
09-05-2025
- Sport
- NZ Herald
ANZ Premiership 2025: New coaches and changes shake up netball season
Steel fans may also have a second team to root for, with two more Southerners heading north to the Tactix. Donna Wilkins (head coach) and Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickit will lead the team in red and black, having both worked for Tactix last season. And Temepara Bailey returns home from coaching in Australia to take charge of the Stars, with Silver Ferns veteran Leana de Bruin as her assistant. There are many changes to the competition itself this year, with the introduction of the two-point shot being the biggest. Teams will have the last five minutes of every quarter to score long-range goals for two points. So, look for quick substitutions and new tactics as the minutes wind down. The competition is also much shorter this year, with each team facing each other only twice (rather than three times). No team can afford to have a slow start, with every game now counting more than ever. Northern Mystics 2024 finish: 1st 2025 team: Donnell Wallam, Filda Vui, Hannah Glen, Peta Toeava, Katie Te Ao, Tayla Earle, Michaela Sokolich-Beatson, Catherine Hall, Holly Rae (née Fowler), Charlotte Manley In: Wallam (Australia), Rae (Stars), Manley Discover more Out: Grace Nweke (NSW Swifts), Phoenix Karaka (maternity), Carys Stythe (Steel) Coach: Tia Winikerei It was the biggest off-season news – Grace Nweke departing the Northern Mystics after six seasons to compete in the Australian domestic league. Searching for an ANZ Premiership three-peat, the Mystics may be without their star shooter, but have found themselves with a transtasman swap. Standing at the same height as Nweke, Donnell Wallam moves over from the Queensland Firebirds, a strong goal shoot option. Keep an eye out for Peta Toeava moving into goal attack during the two-point period, for her dead-eye long shot. Michaela Sokolich-Beatson will lead the defensive end, with Phoenix Karaka welcoming her second child in April, and Carys Stythe departing to the Steel. Once the strong midcourt trio of Toeava, Te Ao and Earle learn to feed Wallam, coach Tia Winikerei will be confident in her systems to get the reigning champions firing again. Central Pulse 2024 finish: 2nd 2025 team: Amelia Walmsley, Tiana Metuarau, Khiarna Williams, Whitney Souness, Maddy Gordon, Fa'amu Ioane, Ainsleyana Puleiata, Laura Balmer, Parris Mason, Kelly Jackson In: Puleiata, Balmer Out: Kelea Iongi, Parris Petera (Tactix) Coach: Anna Andrews-Tasola Advertisement Advertise with NZME. Plagued by injuries last season, the Pulse still managed to finish top of the table, with their adaptability coming into play as players rotated. Coach Anna Andrews-Tasola will be bringing confidence into her second season with the side, who were just one goal short of winning the title last year. Walmsley and Metuarau have a solid combination in the circle and will be bolstered by the addition of Amorangi Malesala for the beginning of the season. The former Stars shooter will temporarily fill in for Khiarna Williams, as she recovers from a shoulder injury sustained in pre-season. Defender Kelly Jackson continues to show her form, being honoured with the Dame Lois Muir Supreme Award last year – her third consecutive time being awarded the trophy for the top Kiwi netballer across domestic and international games. She'll team up with new Silver Fern Parris Mason. Mainland Tactix 2024 finish: 3rd 2025 team: Ellie Bird, Te Paea Selby-Rickit, Martina Salmon, Holly Mather, Erikana Pedersen, Paris Lokotui, Parris Petera, Karin Burger, Jane Watson, Charli Fidler In: Salmon (Pulse/Steel), Mather, Petera (Pulse), Fidler (Australia) Out: Aliyah Dunn (Steel), Jess Allan, Kimiora Poi (Steel), Greer Sinclair (Stars), Kate Lloyd Coach: Donna Wilkins When Aliyah Dunn was rehabbing a knee injury last season, Ellie Bird stepped out of netball retirement to fill in for the shooter. One year later, she's back in the Tactix side, having one of her best seasons last year. She'll be teaming up with rising star Martina Salmon, who played for both the Steel and Pulse as injury cover last year, and stalwart Te Paea Selby-Rickit. New coach Wilkins has been working with the Tactix side for years, so will be familiar with their systems, but will have a new midcourt to train, with a short season to find new combinations and connections. Australian Charli Fidler joins the always lethal combination of Burger and Watson in the defensive end. Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic 2024 finish: 4th Advertisement Advertise with NZME. 2025 team: Saviour Tui, Ameliaranne Ekenasio, Kate Taylor, Reeghan de Bono, Claire O'Brien, Ali Wilshier, Georgie Edgecombe, Oceane Maihi, Georgia Tong, Erena Mikaere In: Taylor Coach: Mary-Jane Araroa The Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic are the team with the fewest changes from last season. Coming very close to last year's elimination finals, they've only made one change, with training partner Kate Taylor being elevated to a full contract this year. Ameliaranne Ekenasio was named the 2024 ANZ Premiership Player of the Year, and will continue a promising partnership with Tui in the shooting circle. Fresh off making her Silver Ferns debut, Claire O'Brien will team up in the midcourt with Ali Wilshier – who returns from a knee injury. The Magic defensive end remains the same, with Mikaere signing for her sixth consecutive season with the side, after a return to the Ferns last year. Northern Stars 2024 finish: 5th 2025 team: Maia Wilson, Monica Falkner, Charlie Bell, Mila Reuelu-Buchanan, Samon Nathan, Lisa Mather, Greer Sinclair, Kate Burley, Lili Tokoduadua, Remi Kamo In: Bell (Australia), Nathan, Sinclair (Tactix), Kamo (Australia) Out: Amorangi Malesala, Rahni Samason, Emma Thompson, Holly Rae (Mystics), Khanye'-Lii Munro-Nonoa Coach: Temepara Bailey Advertisement Advertise with NZME. The Stars were unfortunately the queens of the bonus point last year, with a number of narrow losses leaving them near the bottom of the ladder. An ACL injury to midcourt star Mila Reuelu-Buchanan was tough for the Stars, so her return will be welcome. She teams up with Samon Nathan, back from having her first child, and Greer Sinclair, moving north from the Tactix. Monica Falkner was used as injury cover last year, but returns to a full contract this year, shooting alongside Maia Wilson and Australian Charlie Bell, who at 1.96m is the equal tallest player in the competition. Former head coach Kiri Wills has departed for the Queensland Firebirds this year, where defender Remi Kamo comes from, as Bailey returns home to coach the Stars. Southern Steel 2024 finish: 6th 2025 team: Aliyah Dunn, Georgia Heffernan, Summer Temu, Serina Daunakamakama, Kate Heffernan, Renee Savai'inaea, Kimiora Poi, Abby Lawson, Carys Stythe, Dakota Thomas In: Dunn (Tactix), Temu, Daunakamakama, Poi (Tactix), Stythe (Mystics), Thomas (Australia) Out: Grace Namana, Jen O'Connell, Shannon Saunders, Ivari Christie, Jeanté Strydom, Taneisha Fifita Coach: Wendy Frew The Southern Steel have a tough ask this season, with only four remaining players from the 10 who signed contracts at the beginning of last year. After a winless 2023, they managed two victories last year, but will be looking for a fresh start under new head coach Frew – a Steel stalwart. Aliyah Dunn returns to her southern roots, and teams up with Summer Temu, who made her premiership debut last year. The Heffernan twins provide much needed experience to the side. Midcourter Kimiora Poi makes the move south from the Tactix, and promising young defender Carys Stythe joins the team all the way from the Mystics. With a shorter season this year, the Steel will have to hit the ground running with all their new combinations.
