Netball Australia CEO Stacey West has not ruled out the return of a Trans-Tasman competition, stating the league would “continue to explore” what Super Netball’s future looks like.
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But she confirmed “no further progress” had been made on that front, despite recent strong support from coaching great Dame Noeline Taurua.
Taurua has backed Silver Ferns players heading to Australia to further develop their game – despite restrictions in place ruling athletes ineligible to represent New Zealand while playing abroad.
Superstar goaler Grace Nweke recently turned her back on the Black Dress when she signed for the NSW Swifts for 2025, knowing it would cost her the chance to play for New Zealand.
Swifts sign international goal shooter | 00:59
A host of other Kiwis including Sam Winders, Elle Temu and Gina Crampton have also joined Super Netball ranks in the past 12 months.
But for the first time, New Zealand will have a handful of Australians on their roster including Diamond Donnell Wallam who signed for the Mystics as Nweke’s replacement.
She’ll be joined across the ditch by youngsters Charlie Bell, Charli Fidler and Dakota Thomas, as well as former Firebirds teammate Remi Kamo, who are looking for more court time.
West said Netball Australia remained open to what the growth of Super Netball looked like in the next 10 years.
“(There’s) no further progress on the specificity or the specific nature of New Zealand’s involvement in Super Netball,” West said.
“We will absolutely continue to explore what growth is for the league, but that will fall in line with that strategic plan process and understand what opportunities present for the league and its idea of growth.
“I think we’ve seen a change – an athlete who has now made herself available to come across and play in season 2025 in Grace Nweke. “We have a really great relationship with Netball New Zealand. We meet on a whole range of issues every year … I think the relationship between the two nations is good and strong.
“We know the southern hemisphere game is in a really great position with incredible performances both on their side and our side of the ditch.
“We will continue to work through what might be possible.”
West wasn’t concerned our young talent was looking internationally for more opportunities, given there’s only 80 full time contracts on offer in Super Netball – 18 of those currently by held by players who are currently/have represented nations other than Australia.
There are also no current restrictions on Australian netballers playing internationally.
“To be titled the world’s best league, means we have the world’s best athletes,” she said. “We are bold at stating that.”
“We love what that elite product brings into this country … Entertainment, rivalry, competitiveness on the court – it’s what captures our SSN environment.
“We will also continue to explore what international opportunities are for our athletes that potentially don’t have a contract in Super Netball right now.
“To access other elite competitions is a genuine pathway I think.
“Of course we want to keep them here in Australia and we support the Australian pathway and as much opportunity as we can – Super Netball Reserves is a great example of that.
“How do we continue to keep them developing, competing, preparing and staying here in Australia?
“But for those who do go offshore, we don’t lose contact with them. We know exactly where they are, we know exactly what they are up to, we maintain that commitment and connection so that when and if an opportunity arises, we are in a really good position to transition.
“It’s a demonstration of the evolution of our game – I think it’s pretty exciting to see what we do next and the opportunities that present both on shore and off shore.
“I think the players are demonstrating that – they are the ones taking up the opportunity to say, ‘I want to see what I can do. And I want to grab this opportunity and see where it takes me’.
“I think we will continue to map that; that’s the reality, and continue to monitor that whatever growth plans are happening within the SSN decision making also matches what’s probably really happening out there as well.”
Firebirds star not offered 2025 contract | 00:42
WHERE ARE OUR AUSSIES?
Signed in New Zealand
Donnell Wallam – Mystics
Remi Kamo – Stars
Charlie Bell – Stars
Charli Fidler – Tactix
Martina Salmon (nee Reekers) – Tactix (Australian pathway product)
Dakota Thomas – Steel
Note: Magic have Ameliaranne Ekenasio and Claire O’Brien who came through Australian netball pathways
Signed in England
Jacqui Newton + Elle McDonald returning at Cardiff
Emily Andrew – London Mavericks
Gabby Sinclair – Birmingham Panthers
Gabby Coffey – Birmingham Panthers
Tyler Orr – London Pulse
Chelsea Blackman – London Mavericks
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