May 9, 2025 • 10 mins
Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua is rapt with the performances of Grace Nweke [weh-keh] to start the Super Netball season for the New South Wales Swifts.
Calls are rising for an exemption to be made for the shooter to be able to represent New Zealand this year despite being based overseas.
Nweke's Swifts are unbeaten through four games and face the Melbourne Vixens tomorrow.
Taurua says she's already seen shifts in Nweke's game.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:06):
You're listening to the Sports Talk podcast with Duncie Wildergrave
from News Talk ZB.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
It's a big hello to Dame Noling Tott is the
coach of the Silver Ferns ahead of the A and
Z Premiership. Ready to go. The work starts now. It's
all about Mahi for you, isn't it, Dame, Welcome to
the show.
Speaker 3 (00:26):
Oh thank you for having me And as you say,
this weekend's a good start for us to see everybody
out on court. It seems like a long time coming.
But really looking forward to seeing what the new rules
look like where people are obviously for selection but just
to get the ball rolling. But it's a good vibe
(00:47):
at the moment, so can't wait to see what this
week he looks like.
Speaker 2 (00:50):
We'll look at the new ruling shortly but plainly. The
story around the Ferns, around New Zella netball is grace
wiki and where we sit with that anything advanced over
the last couple of days because a lot of former
players are coming out now going you know, you've really
got to change your mind and I think New Zealand
Netball are starting to not cave in but showing the
ability to flex with what seems like a natural progression
(01:15):
for someone of Grace's talent.
Speaker 3 (01:18):
Yeah, very much so. I think there has been, as
you say, a lot of happening in the media, past
players and current players making comments, which to some degree
is actually quite good for our sport as well. You know,
we're out there. I look, it's been a discussion that's
been had behind the scenes for a very long time
(01:39):
since Grace left. From the board perspective, CEO myself, there's
a few people that have been in those discussions, I understand.
I mean, I think right from the start I've sort
of voiced my opinion and really wanting Grace to pay
for the Silver Firm, so I've sort of been open
about that. But I also understand from a strategic from
(02:02):
a commercial, from a broadcasting what that also means their
ability to be able to offer something to the rest
of our athletes as well in the domestic competition. So
you know, I understand that, and you know, if we
can get ourselves to a win win situation, which I
know Netburn New Zealand are working through, that would be fantastic.
(02:25):
But you know, there's a lot writing on well for
us in the Silver Things to have Grace back, but
as I say, I understand where the domestic competition and
where everybody else needs to sit as well, so hopefully
we can get a win win for everybody.
Speaker 2 (02:38):
It's got to say it's quite liberating that the national
coach can actually come out and express opinion that is
against essentially the process of netballn New Zealand and you're
not hushed. People can speak freely about what they want.
I think that's really healthy for the sport at an
international level.
Speaker 3 (02:57):
Yeah, I really do. And you know, as you said,
people have voiced their opinion recently, and that's really what
it's all about. It's our ability to voice things that
need to change or how can we do things differently
in our system. I don't think it's a negative as such,
and as I say, there has been discussions since Grace
leaf last year, so it's not something that the board
(03:20):
don't know, but they've got to work carefully as to
what it looks like for the system everybody, the Silver
Firms but also Grace as well.
Speaker 2 (03:28):
Is there a middle ground knowing that you can see
that it might be looked at. So I know that
the CEO, Jenny Wiley, is particularly keen to see it happen.
It's not a cord, it's the board's call. But is
there a middle ground where everyone would be happy that
you can see?
Speaker 3 (03:45):
Yeah, I always think that there is. I always feel
that there's got to be a give and take. But
I also feel we've got to be clear strategically, as
I say, from a commercial aspect, from a broadcasting because
you know that's where the dosh comes in, you know,
so we've got to be really clear about that. And
you know, another thing that people need to know as
(04:05):
well as you know, SECN is fantastic, like you know,
like I've been here myself through my time with Lightning
and also my association with Briany, who's you know, our
one of our support staff with the Silver Firm, So
I know what it's like over here. It's tough, you know,
(04:26):
And that was one of the convents that Grace had said,
you know, like it's a full day's work where it's
a different environment to when we're at home. And even
though there's this myth about getting more money over there,
that's not the case. So you know, reality is different
sometimes too. When people look at it, they think, oh, hey,
it actually might be better at home, so you know,
(04:48):
there's a lot of things to work through. Every year,
somebody's always been approached. Every year, the player has always
asked me, and every year we've always investigated. So it's
not new. But you know, these decisions and probably waiting
to see what happens with the sky as well, casting
will come into effect.
Speaker 2 (05:09):
There are so many movable parts of this. We'll get
a Jay and Z Premiership next. But you must be
happy with what you're seeing in Grace and her time
with the Swiss, because we know she's coming up against
are not to belittle what's happening over here, but a
very stout defensive well right across their championship that they
(05:30):
know all about defense. This is quite a challenge for Grace.
She appears to be rising to the occasion.
Speaker 3 (05:36):
She's thriving over here. Would still a lot to learn,
still a lot to add to her game. She's in
the high forties or fifties and volume and as you say,
coming up against world class defenders. So you know she
can only get better. And that's probably the scary thing
for the opposition in other countries that she's just starting
(05:59):
her journey so to speak. But you know, on she
adds to probably adding a different flavor as well to
what they have. You know in Australia, they're very high performance.
But she's got her own swagger in her own way,
so I know it's a reciprocal sort of relationship. But
I'm wrapped. I'm rapped where she currently is and the
(06:20):
shifts I've seen in her game so far right ain
Zed Premiership.
Speaker 2 (06:23):
That's where the focus is going to be this weekend.
The primary with these three game, the primary thought process
is the new rules or laws or whatever you want
to call them around how the game operates with this
extra point shot? What are you what are you expecting
from this? Because this is all new for the coaches
and the players.
Speaker 3 (06:43):
Yeah, I'm the extra shot, you know, all the what
to call it? Shooting from distance getting two points is
something that has been in SECN over here and also
Vitality Cup in England, and we do have an amended
sort of shortened game which is called Fast five where
they had that same distance anyway with two points. So
(07:04):
it's not new, it's just new being brought into A
and Z. The thing that I absolutely love about this,
this change up I suppose in our game is in
SEC and it's a three meters from the post, and
in my mind, as shoot as you should be shooting
three meters anyway. But our competition is three point five,
(07:26):
which is longer, and I.
Speaker 2 (07:29):
Think you must have seen something about man, Well, in
my mind.
Speaker 3 (07:35):
You should be shooting three three meters like where SCN
currently is, it's like nearly just past halfway, and I
think that's ridiculous. That's what shooters should be shooting anyway.
You shouldn't be getting two points. But where we've taken it,
which is three point five, which is further out, I'll say, Man,
if a shooter can get in that in that distance, man,
(07:55):
I'll be happy to give them three on that shot.
So you know, it's you've got to be strategic if
you take that shot. It's just not willy nilly. But
what I've noticed is that it's showcasing more of our
prowies and more of our shooters who are willing to
go to the post. But it's also opened up the
(08:16):
circle as well, so I think that's making our game
look good. The opposite of that, which people haven't really
talked about, is the defense end, which is terrible. So
what usually happens in secn over here is that they
usually leave the post open and go and stop the
two pointer, so it's an easy one point. So you know,
(08:39):
defense of attack wise it looks great. Defense sucks like
it's terrible for our game, so taking that extra out
then it still keeps what to call it, the purity
of our defense structures, not a lot.
Speaker 2 (08:53):
Of gray area when you speak, Dame Nolen Turdu for that.
I'm truly grateful when you look at your team though,
advancing through because you've got a plain new constellation cut
which you're defending, which is so good. Have you written
your team down or does it all start from go
at the start of the premiership like everybody's on notice
(09:13):
that I'm picking based on format? Is that how you running?
Speaker 3 (09:16):
Or yeah? Very much so. I've just sent out a blueprint,
so to speak, on what's required, what's expected, what the
approaches are going to be in regards to selections. Just
sent that out last week actually, so everybody knows what
we're looking for. This A and Z is going to
be massive like it is in previous years anyway, but
(09:39):
you know this is our last year to consolidate and
as you mentioned, we did really well with Constellation Cup
and winning that last year, so we really need to
back that up. But next year we've got Commonwealth Games
in twenty twenty seven is the World's so this is
our last year to be able to consolidate, and we'll
go into selections.
Speaker 2 (09:58):
In August and we're looking forward to whoever gets named
to wear the black dress and hopefully, if things go well,
you're gonna have a Grace Wiki in exactly that dress
and on that Dame Noling Turduer As always, thank you
very much for your time and for being so open
with us.
Speaker 3 (10:17):
All awesome. Thanks for your call.
Speaker 1 (10:20):
For more from Sports Talk, Listen live to News Talks.
It'd be from seven pm weekdays, or follow the podcast
on iHeartRadio
You're listening to the Sports Talk podcast with Duncie Wildergrave
from News Talk ZB.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
It's a big hello to Dame Noling Tott is the
coach of the Silver Ferns ahead of the A and
Z Premiership. Ready to go. The work starts now. It's
all about Mahi for you, isn't it, Dame, Welcome to
the show.
Speaker 3 (00:26):
Oh thank you for having me And as you say,
this weekend's a good start for us to see everybody
out on court. It seems like a long time coming.
But really looking forward to seeing what the new rules
look like where people are obviously for selection but just
to get the ball rolling. But it's a good vibe
(00:47):
at the moment, so can't wait to see what this
week he looks like.
Speaker 2 (00:50):
We'll look at the new ruling shortly but plainly. The
story around the Ferns, around New Zella netball is grace
wiki and where we sit with that anything advanced over
the last couple of days because a lot of former
players are coming out now going you know, you've really
got to change your mind and I think New Zealand
Netball are starting to not cave in but showing the
ability to flex with what seems like a natural progression
(01:15):
for someone of Grace's talent.
Speaker 3 (01:18):
Yeah, very much so. I think there has been, as
you say, a lot of happening in the media, past
players and current players making comments, which to some degree
is actually quite good for our sport as well. You know,
we're out there. I look, it's been a discussion that's
been had behind the scenes for a very long time
(01:39):
since Grace left. From the board perspective, CEO myself, there's
a few people that have been in those discussions, I understand.
I mean, I think right from the start I've sort
of voiced my opinion and really wanting Grace to pay
for the Silver Firm, so I've sort of been open
about that. But I also understand from a strategic from
(02:02):
a commercial, from a broadcasting what that also means their
ability to be able to offer something to the rest
of our athletes as well in the domestic competition. So
you know, I understand that, and you know, if we
can get ourselves to a win win situation, which I
know Netburn New Zealand are working through, that would be fantastic.
(02:25):
But you know, there's a lot writing on well for
us in the Silver Things to have Grace back, but
as I say, I understand where the domestic competition and
where everybody else needs to sit as well, so hopefully
we can get a win win for everybody.
Speaker 2 (02:38):
It's got to say it's quite liberating that the national
coach can actually come out and express opinion that is
against essentially the process of netballn New Zealand and you're
not hushed. People can speak freely about what they want.
I think that's really healthy for the sport at an
international level.
Speaker 3 (02:57):
Yeah, I really do. And you know, as you said,
people have voiced their opinion recently, and that's really what
it's all about. It's our ability to voice things that
need to change or how can we do things differently
in our system. I don't think it's a negative as such,
and as I say, there has been discussions since Grace
leaf last year, so it's not something that the board
(03:20):
don't know, but they've got to work carefully as to
what it looks like for the system everybody, the Silver
Firms but also Grace as well.
Speaker 2 (03:28):
Is there a middle ground knowing that you can see
that it might be looked at. So I know that
the CEO, Jenny Wiley, is particularly keen to see it happen.
It's not a cord, it's the board's call. But is
there a middle ground where everyone would be happy that
you can see?
Speaker 3 (03:45):
Yeah, I always think that there is. I always feel
that there's got to be a give and take. But
I also feel we've got to be clear strategically, as
I say, from a commercial aspect, from a broadcasting because
you know that's where the dosh comes in, you know,
so we've got to be really clear about that. And
you know, another thing that people need to know as
(04:05):
well as you know, SECN is fantastic, like you know,
like I've been here myself through my time with Lightning
and also my association with Briany, who's you know, our
one of our support staff with the Silver Firm, So
I know what it's like over here. It's tough, you know,
(04:26):
And that was one of the convents that Grace had said,
you know, like it's a full day's work where it's
a different environment to when we're at home. And even
though there's this myth about getting more money over there,
that's not the case. So you know, reality is different
sometimes too. When people look at it, they think, oh, hey,
it actually might be better at home, so you know,
(04:48):
there's a lot of things to work through. Every year,
somebody's always been approached. Every year, the player has always
asked me, and every year we've always investigated. So it's
not new. But you know, these decisions and probably waiting
to see what happens with the sky as well, casting
will come into effect.
Speaker 2 (05:09):
There are so many movable parts of this. We'll get
a Jay and Z Premiership next. But you must be
happy with what you're seeing in Grace and her time
with the Swiss, because we know she's coming up against
are not to belittle what's happening over here, but a
very stout defensive well right across their championship that they
(05:30):
know all about defense. This is quite a challenge for Grace.
She appears to be rising to the occasion.
Speaker 3 (05:36):
She's thriving over here. Would still a lot to learn,
still a lot to add to her game. She's in
the high forties or fifties and volume and as you say,
coming up against world class defenders. So you know she
can only get better. And that's probably the scary thing
for the opposition in other countries that she's just starting
(05:59):
her journey so to speak. But you know, on she
adds to probably adding a different flavor as well to
what they have. You know in Australia, they're very high performance.
But she's got her own swagger in her own way,
so I know it's a reciprocal sort of relationship. But
I'm wrapped. I'm rapped where she currently is and the
(06:20):
shifts I've seen in her game so far right ain
Zed Premiership.
Speaker 2 (06:23):
That's where the focus is going to be this weekend.
The primary with these three game, the primary thought process
is the new rules or laws or whatever you want
to call them around how the game operates with this
extra point shot? What are you what are you expecting
from this? Because this is all new for the coaches
and the players.
Speaker 3 (06:43):
Yeah, I'm the extra shot, you know, all the what
to call it? Shooting from distance getting two points is
something that has been in SECN over here and also
Vitality Cup in England, and we do have an amended
sort of shortened game which is called Fast five where
they had that same distance anyway with two points. So
(07:04):
it's not new, it's just new being brought into A
and Z. The thing that I absolutely love about this,
this change up I suppose in our game is in
SEC and it's a three meters from the post, and
in my mind, as shoot as you should be shooting
three meters anyway. But our competition is three point five,
(07:26):
which is longer, and I.
Speaker 2 (07:29):
Think you must have seen something about man, Well, in
my mind.
Speaker 3 (07:35):
You should be shooting three three meters like where SCN
currently is, it's like nearly just past halfway, and I
think that's ridiculous. That's what shooters should be shooting anyway.
You shouldn't be getting two points. But where we've taken it,
which is three point five, which is further out, I'll say, Man,
if a shooter can get in that in that distance, man,
(07:55):
I'll be happy to give them three on that shot.
So you know, it's you've got to be strategic if
you take that shot. It's just not willy nilly. But
what I've noticed is that it's showcasing more of our
prowies and more of our shooters who are willing to
go to the post. But it's also opened up the
(08:16):
circle as well, so I think that's making our game
look good. The opposite of that, which people haven't really
talked about, is the defense end, which is terrible. So
what usually happens in secn over here is that they
usually leave the post open and go and stop the
two pointer, so it's an easy one point. So you know,
(08:39):
defense of attack wise it looks great. Defense sucks like
it's terrible for our game, so taking that extra out
then it still keeps what to call it, the purity
of our defense structures, not a lot.
Speaker 2 (08:53):
Of gray area when you speak, Dame Nolen Turdu for that.
I'm truly grateful when you look at your team though,
advancing through because you've got a plain new constellation cut
which you're defending, which is so good. Have you written
your team down or does it all start from go
at the start of the premiership like everybody's on notice
(09:13):
that I'm picking based on format? Is that how you running?
Speaker 3 (09:16):
Or yeah? Very much so. I've just sent out a blueprint,
so to speak, on what's required, what's expected, what the
approaches are going to be in regards to selections. Just
sent that out last week actually, so everybody knows what
we're looking for. This A and Z is going to
be massive like it is in previous years anyway, but
(09:39):
you know this is our last year to consolidate and
as you mentioned, we did really well with Constellation Cup
and winning that last year, so we really need to
back that up. But next year we've got Commonwealth Games
in twenty twenty seven is the World's so this is
our last year to be able to consolidate, and we'll
go into selections.
Speaker 2 (09:58):
In August and we're looking forward to whoever gets named
to wear the black dress and hopefully, if things go well,
you're gonna have a Grace Wiki in exactly that dress
and on that Dame Noling Turduer As always, thank you
very much for your time and for being so open
with us.
Speaker 3 (10:17):
All awesome. Thanks for your call.
Speaker 1 (10:20):
For more from Sports Talk, Listen live to News Talks.
It'd be from seven pm weekdays, or follow the podcast
on iHeartRadio
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