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Sport Nation
Groundbreaking exemption allows Nweke to rejoin Silver Ferns
Kieran Bingham • August 11th, 2025 1:56 pm
Photo: Photosport
Netball New Zealand has confirmed the Silver Ferns Squad for the 2025 and 2026 seasons, headlined by the return of Grace Nweke following a dominant debut season in Australia's Suncorp Super Netball League.
Nweke, who was named MVP of the NSW Swifts in her first season with the club, has been granted an exemption under Netball New Zealand’s updated eligibility criteria and is now eligible to represent the Silver Ferns through to the end of 2026.
Her return marks a key boost for the national side ahead of two major international campaigns: the 2026 Commonwealth Games and the 2027 Netball World Cup.
With experienced shooters Te Paea Selby-Rickit, Ameliaranne Ekenasio, Maia Wilson and Tiana Metuarau all unavailable for the 2025 international season, the Silver Ferns have named a refreshed shooting circle filled with emerging talent and returning players.
Amelia Walmsley and Georgia Heffernan are joined by newcomers Martina Salmon, Filda Vui and Saviour Tui, all of whom will have the opportunity to make their Silver Ferns debuts during the 2025 or 2026 seasons.
Heffernan, who has previously represented the Ferns in four Tests, makes her return to the squad after consistent performances in the ANZ Premiership with the Southern Steel.
Silver Ferns head coach Dame Noeline Taurua said the opportunity to inject new talent into the shooting end was an important part of the team’s long-term planning.
“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.”
Also returning to the Ferns is dynamic midcourter Peta Toeava, a fan favourite who debuted in 2018 and has eight Test caps to her name. Toeava played a key role in the Mystics’ ANZ Premiership campaign this year, helping guide the team to the Grand Final.
Peta Toeava and Grace Nweke will have a chance to reconnect on the international stage | Photo: Photosport
Toeava's Mystics midcourt partner, Tayla Earle returns to the squad looking for her third Test cap, having made her debut in January 2024.
Stars midcourter Mila Reuelu-Buchanan also re-joins the squad after recovering from an ACL injury that kept her out for much of the 2024 season.
Defensively, the Ferns have named two new faces in Catherine Hall (Netties winner) and Carys Stythe following strong ANZ Premiership seasons.
Hall cemented herself as a starter with the Mystics in only her second full season, while Stythe impressed in her first year with the Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel, earning praise for her aerial skills.
Taurua said the inclusion of these players highlighted the depth that has been building in New Zealand’s domestic competition.
“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 for next month’s Taini Jamison Trophy will be named in early September.
2025/26 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
Sport Nation will have live commentary for all Taini Jamison Trophy & Constellation Cup Test matches.
