Player confusion over Silver Ferns eligibility criteria, skipper calls for Grace Nweke exception

Grace Nweke (left) and Ameliaranne Ekenasio (second left) hope to be able to play together for the Silver Ferns again this year. Photo / Photosport

Confusion reigns between Netball New Zealand, the Silver Ferns captain and the country’s star player on eligibility criteria for the national team.

The issue has resurfaced with shooter Grace Nweke currently ineligible for the Ferns because she’s playing for New South Wales in Australia’s Super Netball competition.

Ferns captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio told Newstalk ZB on Monday that players must have 100 test caps to be eligible for an exemption to play offshore and still play in international fixtures.

Last month Nweke confirmed the same to Fox Sports - saying it was Netball NZ’s “black and white” rule.

However - a spokesperson for the national body has clarified that no such 100-test rule exists - and that each case was entirely at the board’s discretion.

Netball NZ chief executive Jennie Wyllie last month said the board continue to discuss their stance on eligibility - adding that she was encouraging them to continue showing flexibility.

Nweke, currently with the New South Wales Swifts in Australia’s Super Netball, and has only played 38 games for New Zealand.

There have been only seven Silver Ferns to pass the 100-cap mark – Irene van Dyk, Laura Langman, Maria Folau, Leana de Bruin, Casey Kopua, Katrina Rore and Lesley Rumball.

Of the current squad, Ekenasio has the most Silver Ferns caps with 79.

The 34-year-old told Newstalk ZB said she will never meet what she believed were requirements.

“Reaching 100 is impossible for me. I won’t reach 100 if I look to still play over in Suncorp [Super Netball]. The eligibility is quite tough because we have only got a handful of centurions.

“If we stick with that eligibility criteria, there would’ve only been a couple of people who would’ve been able to actually go and play [abroad]. Who knows if that needs to be revisited?”

Nweke put up 54 goals to help the top of the table Swifts to their fourth victory of the season over former Stars coach Kiri Wills’ Firebirds on Sunday.

Grace Nweke of New Zealand against Australia during a Constellation Cup match in Perth in October 2024. She is waiting to learn if she can continue playing for the Silver Ferns in 2025. Photo / AAP Image / Richard Wainwright / Photosport

Ekenasio said Nweke’s presence is vital for the Ferns.

“Grace is a one-of-a-kind type of player. Purely as a player, I’d love to see her playing because she’s an asset to our team, massively. I love playing with her. I’ll be eagerly awaiting whenever that decision is locked in.”

Nweke has been vocal about her desire to still represent the Ferns, telling the Inside Netball podcast she is still holding out hope of playing tests in 2025.

NNZ chief executive Jennie Wyllie said at the ANZ Premiership launch there is no update on the board’s plan to review the selection policy, but it is “on the agenda”.

Wyllie last month said they are aware of Nweke’s comments and the board will examine the criteria.

“They are continually reviewing and revising their views on it, so that’s certainly something for our board to discuss.”

Wyllie said she will stand by the board’s decision.

“But I am encouraging them to make sure we continue to show flexibility and review these policies as they are needed.”

Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua has also expressed her desire for Nweke to receive an exemption.

The 23-year-old has been retained in the national side’s leadership group and Taurua is in regular contact with her.

New Zealand will play South Africa in three home tests in the Taini Jamison Trophy series in September.

The Ferns will then attempt to defend the Constellation Cup against the Australia Diamonds across four tests, two either side of the Tasman.

Nathan Limm has been a journalist with Newstalk ZB and the NZ Herald since 2020. He covered the Netball World Cup in Cape Town in 2023, hosts The Big League Podcast and commentates on rugby and netball for Gold Sport.