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SEN is temporarily unavailableBalmer rewarded as Taurua names Silver Ferns squad
Sport Nation • September 14th, 2026 2:00 pm
Laura Balmer (l) contests Amelia Walmsley (r) | Photo: Photosport
Rising young defender Laura Balmer has earned her first Silver Ferns squad selection after a breakout season with the Tactix.
She made a big impression in her first full ANZ Premiership campaign, quickly establishing herself as one of the competition’s most exciting and disruptive players in the circle after moving south from the Pulse for 2026.
Balmer was also part of the New Zealand Under-21 side that won silver at last year’s Netball World Youth Cup in Gibraltar.
Shooters Aliyah Dunn and Te Paea Selby-Rickit are also back in the mix, joining a shooting circle led by Grace Nweke.
Dunn helped the Steel reach the Grand Final in a strong domestic season, while Selby-Rickit brings 66 Test caps and plenty of experience following a season with the Queensland Firebirds under fellow Kiwi coach Kiri Wills.
Aliyah Dunn | Photo: Photosport
The squad retains the core of the side that ended a 16-year wait for Commonwealth Games gold in Glasgow, although, defender Catherine Hall will be unavailable until 2027 as she recovers from injury.
Silver Ferns head coach Dame Noeline Taurua, who remains in charge after guiding New Zealand to Commonwealth Games gold, said the competition for spots had never been stronger.
While Netball New Zealand has not announced her reappointment following the Games, Taurua’s inclusion as head coach for the new squad confirms she is continuing in the role.
“Over the last couple of years, selecting the Silver Ferns squads has become incredibly difficult. There is genuine competition for places, and that is exactly what we want as we continue to build the depth within the Silver Ferns programme.”
The squad has been picked with the 2027 Netball World Cup in Sydney firmly in mind, while also laying the groundwork for the next chapter of the Silver Ferns programme.
Taurua said Balmer had earned her opportunity through the consistency of her performances.
“Laura had an outstanding season with the Tactix and has earned this opportunity. She brings real presence in the circle, has the ability to win ball and has a high work ethic. We’re looking forward to seeing what she can bring into the Silver Ferns environment.”
She also backed Dunn’s return and welcomed Selby-Rickit back into the international set-up.
“Aliyah is one of the premier shooters in the domestic competition. She is a high-percentage shooter, a strong holding option and has a smart netball brain. She has continued to develop her game and deserves the opportunity to test herself within this environment.”
“Having Te Paea back in the Silver Ferns environment is also exciting. She is a 66-Test veteran who understands the demands of international netball and had a strong latter part of the SSN season. Her experience, versatility and understanding of the game add another dimension to the shooting circle.”
The Silver Ferns will come together for training camps in September and October before opening the Constellation Cup against Australia in Auckland on October 18.
2026/27 Silver Ferns squad
Shooters: Aliyah Dunn, Georgia Heffernan, Grace Nweke, Martina Salmon, Te Paea Selby-Rickit, Amelia Walmsley
Midcourters: Tayla Earle, Maddy Gordon, Kate Heffernan, Kimiora Poi, Mila Reuelu-Buchanan, Peta Toeava
Defenders: Laura Balmer, Karin Burger, Catherine Hall (will not be available until 2027), Kelly Jackson, Parris Mason, Carys Stythe
