Nweke in line for NZ selection after eligibility change
Grace Nweke could be in line to play for the Silver Ferns this year after Netball New Zealand changed its eligibility criteria.
The NNZ board announced yesterday it had reviewed its international selection policy and updated its eligibility criteria, allowing more flexibility for athletes who wanted to play domestically overseas.
Athletes who are playing abroad can now be considered for Silver Ferns selection through a formal exemption process, which will be implemented before the upcoming international season against South Africa and Australia.
It would have clear guidelines and assessment measures for any future exemption applications, NNZ said in a statement.
Chairman 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,' Whineray said.
"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."
Nweke was initially denied the right to represent the Silver Ferns this season after opting to ply her trade in Australia with the New South Wales Swifts.
Nweke, who has earned 38 caps, has held the goal shoot bib since debuting in 2021.
It should be news that pleases fans, as the Silver Ferns could have been without two shooters for the South Africa series. Amelia Walmsley has committed to the Netball World Youth Cup programme in September.
Chief executive Jennie Wyllie said the change ensured players were 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,' Wyllie said.
"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."
NNZ also confirmed the ANZ Premiership will go ahead with all six teams and remain at 10 rounds for the 2026 season.
It will be played in a similar timeframe due to the Commonwealth Games in late July next year.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Spinoff
4 hours ago
- The Spinoff
Review: Netball docuseries Game On is a heartwarming gem
Tara Ward watches Three's new sports series about a group of New Zealand netball legends who return for one last game. The nerves are obvious from the opening moments of Game On. Former Silver Fern Temepara Bailey zips up her suitcase before she realises she's forgotten to pack her netball shoes. Adine Wilson wonders aloud why she agreed to come on a TV show, while Silver Fern centurion Casey Kopua limps into an indoor netball stadium to warmly greet her former netball teammates. They all look as concerned as she does. 'What have I signed myself up for?' she wonders. What Kopua and her fellow netball legends have committed to is a daunting physical and mental challenge, with every second captured on camera. Game On is Three's inspiring new sports docuseries that sees a team of former Silver Ferns come out of retirement to play for a high-stakes netball tournament. They've been called back to the court by coaches Yvonne Willering and Yvette McClausland-Durie, who will guide them through the tough process of returning to top-level sport. 'We're here to provide the challenge of transforming the former Ferns into the elite athletes that you were in the past,' Willering tells the ex-Silver Ferns. 'Good luck,' Kopua replies. It won't be easy – Daneka Tuineau hasn't touched a netball since she retired 14 years ago, Wilson broke her neck in 2016, while Kopua is awaiting a double knee replacement. While they may still be as competitive and passionate as they were two decades ago, their bodies tell a different story. 'I did try playing social netball, but man, they just want to show you that you're not as good as you were 10 years ago,' Irene van Dyk laughs. 'No shit Sherlock, I know that.' Game On is similar in warmth and spirit to another local sports docuseries, Match Fit, but it comes with a new twist: not only are these players preparing to compete against teams of other ex-internationals, they're also mentoring a group of promising young netballers. These rangatahi have been nominated by members of their community, and after the first fitness test with the Ferns, they immediately rise to the challenge. 'I don't want to get outschooled by people double my age,' 16-year-old Brooklyn says. It would be easy for the former world champions to stay on the sidelines and let their achievements do the talking. Instead, they share moments of vulnerability and bravery as they're confronted with how their bodies have changed over the years, and reflect on what happens when an international sporting career ends ('netball is my life… when I retired, I realised, who am I? I'm no-one,' a tearful van Dyk says in episode two). This honesty and emotion makes their return to the sport all the more powerful. Not only do the Ferns want to prove to themselves that they can do it, but they're also relishing the rare opportunity to be back with their mates, playing the game that brought them together all those years ago. Game On isn't about winning; it's about the power of community. It's about women championing other women, no matter what season of life they're in, and it's impossible not to feel inspired and uplifted by their strength and resilience. Game On is a gem of a series, a heartwarming reminder that no matter your age, you can still do hard things – and that maybe, for some of us at home, it's never too late to try and become a Silver Fern.
Scoop
4 hours ago
- Scoop
Memorable Night For Reuelu-Buchanan At Stars Awards
25 July Go Media Stars midcourter Mila Reuleu-Buchanan has had a night to remember at the annual Stars end of season awards event at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Karaka. Reuelu-Buchanan has been recognised for her outstanding ANZ Premiership season, taking home the Stonz Jewellers player of the year, members choice and player's player of the year gongs. After suffering a season-ending knee injury in 2024, Reuelu-Buchanan came back strong and hit the court running in 2025, producing a stellar campaign and leading from the front with her tenacity and class shining through when she took to the court. Reuelu-Buchanan was second in the competition for feeds with 361 and had 152 goal assists. Lili Tokaduadua was rewarded for a fantastic second season in the ANZ Premiership with the emerging talent award. Tokaduadua played in all 10 games this season and was all energy and effort at the defensive end. Tokaduadua finished the campaign with 27 deflections and 13 intercepts and continues to show why she's one of the most promising prospects in the game. The Matariki award is given to the player that lives the values of the team every day. This year's dual winners were Lisa Mather and Kate Burley. The defending champion Comets had a season to be proud of, finishing third on the Synergy Hair National Netball League ladder and narrowly missing out on a spot in the grand final. Jaelin Tulikaki was named player of the year, with Teuila Sotutu and Marie Hansen sharing the player's player of the year award and Charlie Lindsey being recognised as the emerging player of the year. The Stars men put on a show once again in their three game series with the Mystics men, as they showcased their skill and athleticism in three competitive outings. Tanekohurangi Apaapa was named Stars Men's MVP. Many aspects of game day wouldn't be able to happen without our amazing volunteers and this year's recipient of the volunteer of the year award went to Wiremu Te Rongomau. Wiremu has been a volunteer since the inception of the Stars and is the friendly face fans would see when they get their tickets scanned ahead of games. Robinhood Stars Awards 2025: Stonz Jewellers Player of the year - Mila Reuelu-Buchanan Members Choice Player of the year - Mila Reuelu-Buchanan Players Choice Player of the year - Mila Reuelu-Buchanan Emerging Talent Award – Lili Tokaduadua Matariki Award - Lisa Mather, Kate Burley Comets Awards: Comets 2025 Player of the year – Jaelin Tulikaki Players Choice Player of the year – Teuila Sotutu, Marie Hansen Emerging Player of the Year – Charlie Lindsey Stars Men's MVP - Tanekohurangi Apaapa
Otago Daily Times
5 hours ago
- Otago Daily Times
Steel boss ‘couldn't be more proud' despite missing playoffs
"It's just an exciting season. The games have been exciting, and everybody's got really behind the Steel, and behind the team that we've created this year." — Netball South chief executive Sonya Fleming. Photo: supplied Netball South chief executive Sonya Fleming takes heart from a much-improved Southern Steel season. Fleming is busy reviewing and reflecting on the season after the Steel wrapped up their ANZ Premiership campaign last week with five wins and five losses to narrowly miss the playoffs. "To be honest, I couldn't be more proud of the girls," Fleming said. "Unfortunately it hasn't quite gone our way. Maybe if we had a couple more rounds things would've changed, or if we didn't have those injuries in the beginning of the season then we would've had a bit more time to make a difference." Former player Wendy Frew took over the reins as head coach — "she's a legend of the South" — and was supported by assistant Liana Leota, who returned home with experience. Frew has been open about learning on the go in her first elite coaching gig, but Fleming said what Frew had done for the franchise was "next level". "I reckon Robyn Broughton would be incredibly proud of what both her and Liana have done," Fleming said. "I believe the culture they've created ... the crowds that we've been able to bring into our fortress, both here (Invercargill) and Dunedin, we couldn't be more happy about that, really. "We've got the best fans in the country and we're really grateful for that." Fleming told the Otago Daily Times in January new memberships had "peaked higher than pre-Covid numbers" and that support remained throughout the season, attracting several sold-out crowds. Initially, Fleming attributed crowd numbers to the shorter season, but as the season went on she had second thoughts. "It's just an exciting season. The games have been exciting, and everybody's got really behind the Steel, and behind the team that we've created this year. "Our fans just wanted to see some great netball and they have never walked away disappointed." The ANZ Premiership has been through a handful of changes in 2025, including being reduced to 10 rounds, plus the traditional two rounds of playoffs. Not knowing where the playoff series would be held — or who would grab third spot — until the final round robin indicated it had been an exciting competition, Fleming said. She was a fan of the 10-round season, but encouraged more innovations, including larger squads — which could help teams manage injuries better — or changes to the finals set-up. "I believe that netball will be better and stronger and has got great following ... and we just need to keep it that way from the grassroots. "It's really important for that pathway to come through." The Steel players still have community commitments in the coming weeks before wrapping up the season at their awards night. After debriefing 2025, Fleming will be busying contracting players and staff for next season.
