Kelly Jackson of the Central Pulse and Ellie Bird of the Tactix tussle for the ball, 2025. Photo: © Photosport Ltd 2025 www.photosport.nz
Former Silver Fern Margaret Foster believes the ANZ Premiership has failed to produce the improvements to the game that Netball New Zealand had hoped for and is backing the change to the player eligibility rule.
This week Netball New Zealand announced it had updated the Silver Ferns' eligibility criteria, paving the way for greater flexibility for athletes who wish to play overseas.
That means the likes of goal shoot Grace Nweke, who has been playing for the New South Wales Swifts in the Australian League, could become available for selection for the Ferns this year.
Until now players had to be playing in New Zealand to be considered for selection for the national side.
"I get what they (Netball New Zealand) hoped to achieve to keep them all back here but no it (ANZ Premiership) is not delivering," Foster told RNZ.
While it would be nice to have all of New Zealand's top athletes playing here, Foster said it was unrealistic with overseas clubs and competitions offering more money.
"We're not in a privileged position where we're this massive professional sport where athletes are earning lots of money.
"You want to have your best players available in your calendar year, that's why football do it well.
"Regardless of where you are playing your netball you need to have your best athletes available."
The Trans-Tasman Netball League ran for nine years between 2008 and 2016.
Foster, who also coached in that competition, believed the game and therefore quality of the play here would improve by rejoining the Australian competition.
"We definitely need to get back into the top league in the world which is the one based in Australia."
Magic's Head Coach Noeline Taurua (R) and Assistant Coach Margaret Foster. 2011. Photo: Anthony Au-Yeung / PHOTOSPORT
Also this week, Silver Ferns captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio announced she would miss this year's internationals.
Foster said Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua would be relieved that Ekenasio's decision may be offset by the possible return of Nweke to the Ferns' attacking circle.
"A hundred percent thank goodness. Having the two power houses out that would be devastating for the Silver Ferns programme.
"But knowing that the likes of a Grace who is playing over there in a tougher competition and playing against the top players in the world, that can only bode well for us."
The Silver Ferns would play a series against South Africa in September, before the Constellation Cup series with Australia in October.
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