April 18, 2025 • 9 mins
Netball New Zealand is reviewing the ruling that currently blocks Grace Nweke from putting on the black dress.
She’s currently ineligible for the Silver Ferns, after leaving to play for a team over in Australia.
Coach Dame Noeline Taurua joined Piney to give her thoughts on the current situation.
“When we knew she was keen to come over to Sydney or to play in the SSN, and understanding her reason as well, to be better, and to be a better netballer but also to be a better Silver Fern,” she said.
“The intent is there, she still wants to play, and I definitely support that.”
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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 Weekend Sport podcast with Jason Vine
from News Talks EDB.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
For New Zealand Chief Executive Jenny Wiley says her board
will review their ruling over goal shoot Grace Wecke's Silver
Ferns eligibility.
Speaker 3 (00:22):
Tara Conin thank.
Speaker 2 (00:24):
Would be the take of the day. I think Grace
Wicking how did she keep that alive? Grace Wicky currently
unable to be selected for New Zealand's tests this year
after relocating from the Northern Mystics to Australia's Supernetball with
the New South Wales Swifts. She has been vocal though
(00:45):
about her desire to still represent the Ferns this year.
Jenny Wiley told news Talks dB this week they're aware
of Wiki's desire to pull on the black dress and
they're continually reviewing and revising their views on their eligibility rules.
What about the coach? Silver Ferns coach Dame Nolen Toddauer
is with us. Dave Nolen, thanks for taking the time
(01:06):
for a check. Do you want Grace Wecker to play
for you this year?
Speaker 3 (01:10):
Yeah, definitely. I've been open about that and right from
the start. When when you she was keen to come
over to Sydney or to play in the ECCN and
understanding her reason as well is to be better and
to be a better netballer, but also to be a
better silver Fern, So you know the intent is there.
(01:32):
She still wants to play and definitely I support that.
Speaker 2 (01:35):
How much influence can you have as silver Fern's coach
on the decision of the board.
Speaker 3 (01:42):
I think, well, I don't know about influence, but I'm
not short in putting my thoughts through and not necessarily justification,
but also understanding where we are, all the silver Ferns
are and where we're currently sitting as well against other
international countries. The great thing that you alluded to in
(02:03):
your starting of this conversation is that the board is open,
so it's not a closed shop, and that's also supported
by Jenny. So you know they're going through their process
and definitely I'll put my thoughts through.
Speaker 2 (02:17):
Do you feel positive that you'll get the outcome that
you're after?
Speaker 3 (02:21):
Look, I understand actually on the flip side where the
board is at, and that that story hasn't changed, you know,
even from my time with the Laura Langman's the Marias
to Taya who was playing over in SECN. So I
understand the commercial value of having all our players playing
(02:43):
in New Zealand. That makes sense to me and what
that means around the broadcasting, So you know, it's not
just the one track pony, and they've got to take
all the details into consideration, I think as well, not
knowing where am Z is, you know, and the decisions
that need to be made from the board perspective, that
(03:04):
will all come into time and that would all have
to be swooped up in the division around Grace as well.
Speaker 2 (03:10):
You've obviously landed on the concern which is that allowing
Grace to play for the Silver Ferns this year might
set a precedent and other players would play their domestic
netball in Australia instead of New Zealand. Do you think
that risk is real or is it more likely that
only specific players like Grace will actually play in Australia.
Speaker 3 (03:28):
Yeah. Look, the thing is about over an e sec
and or Australia is the pure numbers. So it's six
to one, So six players over in New Zealand in
comparison to one, so the population is massive and as
has been seen over the last three, four or five
years or the inception of SEC and they get an
(03:48):
influx of the best players as well. So you know,
I personally think might be about five or six that's
realistic that will come or be approached, and which means
that the domestic competition is not going to be gutted.
You know, They're still going to be quality players that
will be playing domestically, and I think once again that's
(04:12):
the thing that we have to be mindful of that
it's not going to be an influx of players coming
over to SECN in my in my perspective.
Speaker 2 (04:19):
Indeed, and in your role, Dan Noline, as silver Fern's coach,
does it actually matter to you where your best players
are playing as long as they are playing at a
good level.
Speaker 3 (04:30):
What I've seen as well over the years in you know,
like maybe last ten even in twenty nineteen when we
were number one at that time and took the Netwell
World Cup and it was really only a two horse race,
which was New Zealand and Australia. And with the event
of more competition now, whether it be the A and Z,
(04:51):
SECN or Vitality, it means a lot of other countries
are now getting exposed to the high performance program. And
when I look at Jamaica, for instance, they've probably got
about six or seven of their current starting team that's
applying their trade in FeCN. So what countries don't have
(05:13):
in regards to financials and having a good high performance
program in their home country, now they can get it
from other places. And with the likes now of where
Jamaica is England are, it's not just a two horse
race that it has been in history.
Speaker 2 (05:32):
If we put Grace to one side, how do you
evaluate the depth and quality of the other shooters at
your disposal right now?
Speaker 3 (05:39):
Thought, I believe we still got quality in New Zealand.
There is depths, but not quite at the stage the
readiness to be able to play internationally. What we do
know is, you know Grace when she's involved with us,
and that was shown in twenty twenty three when she
(05:59):
got injured at Netbleworld carp she's probably at least a
thirteen point difference to us. When we have her ound
on court, we're hitting around high fifties sixties. In regards
to volume. We still have those shooters, but not at
the same volume that Grace can produce.
Speaker 2 (06:17):
So this year You'll host South Africa in three tiny
Jamison Trophy matches in September, then Consolation Cup against Australia
four tests, so just seven this year, Dan Noline, Is
that enough as you build towards Colm Games next year?
Speaker 1 (06:29):
Oh?
Speaker 3 (06:29):
Look, I would love more what we've always had in
the past once again, as we've had a generary tour,
So our annual test will probably or calendar will probably
be around ten ten to maybe ten to twelve. I
also know next year we're going into the Commonwealth Games
(06:50):
that will be off the back of A and Z,
so we won't have time to have tests next year
as well, so I'm squeezing out as much as possible
to get more tests. Don't know if that's going to happen.
You know, that's open at the moment. Otherwise we've got
to create that competition and we've got to create it
ourselves and that's pretty hard, but it's something that would
(07:12):
probably have to do. So yeah, I'd love more. I
need more.
Speaker 2 (07:17):
And as you alluded to before the new am Z
Premiership season starts soon, but have you got any clarity
around the shape of the competition beyond this year?
Speaker 3 (07:28):
No, I you know, I've been in discussions as well,
and our CEO has kept me what to call it,
in touch, you updated with what's happening, and unfortunately I
don't know what is actually happening. So you know, hopefully
very soon that these discussions will be cemented and we
(07:49):
know where twenty twenty six going to be for our
A and Z players, but also for the Silver Ferns.
So no, I can't add anything to that discussion at all.
Speaker 2 (08:00):
Not fair enough. Well, I hope Senaty prevails and you
get access to Grace this year. Dan Nolane, Happy Easter.
Thanks for join. We'll I catch up again soon.
Speaker 3 (08:08):
Happy thanks for the call.
Speaker 2 (08:09):
No, thank you for taking the call. Dame Nole and
Nolan Todo them the coach of the Silver Ferns just
seems like a no brainer to me. You know, why
would just stop Dame Noling Todor from picking her best shooter.
It's a Netball New Zealand rule. This isn't the same
as the all blacks eligibility. Let's not compare the two things.
They are miles apart. And this isn't going to open
(08:34):
up a exodus of top players over to Australia because
first of all, they have to have somewhere to play
over there, they have to be attracted to one of
those franchises, and I just don't see that there are
that many who would be Grace Wiki is our best
shooter by daylight, and if we want to win netball
tests and prepare in the best possible fashion for the
(08:56):
Commonwealth Games next year, then grace wki should be playing
for the Silver Ferns this year. Seems like an absolute
no brainer to me, so hopefully Sanity will provo for more.
Speaker 1 (09:07):
From Weekends Sport with Jason Fine, Listen live to news
Talks it B weekends from midday, or follow the podcast
on iHeartRadio
You're listening to the Weekend Sport podcast with Jason Vine
from News Talks EDB.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
For New Zealand Chief Executive Jenny Wiley says her board
will review their ruling over goal shoot Grace Wecke's Silver
Ferns eligibility.
Speaker 3 (00:22):
Tara Conin thank.
Speaker 2 (00:24):
Would be the take of the day. I think Grace
Wicking how did she keep that alive? Grace Wicky currently
unable to be selected for New Zealand's tests this year
after relocating from the Northern Mystics to Australia's Supernetball with
the New South Wales Swifts. She has been vocal though
(00:45):
about her desire to still represent the Ferns this year.
Jenny Wiley told news Talks dB this week they're aware
of Wiki's desire to pull on the black dress and
they're continually reviewing and revising their views on their eligibility rules.
What about the coach? Silver Ferns coach Dame Nolen Toddauer
is with us. Dave Nolen, thanks for taking the time
(01:06):
for a check. Do you want Grace Wecker to play
for you this year?
Speaker 3 (01:10):
Yeah, definitely. I've been open about that and right from
the start. When when you she was keen to come
over to Sydney or to play in the ECCN and
understanding her reason as well is to be better and
to be a better netballer, but also to be a
better silver Fern, So you know the intent is there.
(01:32):
She still wants to play and definitely I support that.
Speaker 2 (01:35):
How much influence can you have as silver Fern's coach
on the decision of the board.
Speaker 3 (01:42):
I think, well, I don't know about influence, but I'm
not short in putting my thoughts through and not necessarily justification,
but also understanding where we are, all the silver Ferns
are and where we're currently sitting as well against other
international countries. The great thing that you alluded to in
(02:03):
your starting of this conversation is that the board is open,
so it's not a closed shop, and that's also supported
by Jenny. So you know they're going through their process
and definitely I'll put my thoughts through.
Speaker 2 (02:17):
Do you feel positive that you'll get the outcome that
you're after?
Speaker 3 (02:21):
Look, I understand actually on the flip side where the
board is at, and that that story hasn't changed, you know,
even from my time with the Laura Langman's the Marias
to Taya who was playing over in SECN. So I
understand the commercial value of having all our players playing
(02:43):
in New Zealand. That makes sense to me and what
that means around the broadcasting, So you know, it's not
just the one track pony, and they've got to take
all the details into consideration, I think as well, not
knowing where am Z is, you know, and the decisions
that need to be made from the board perspective, that
(03:04):
will all come into time and that would all have
to be swooped up in the division around Grace as well.
Speaker 2 (03:10):
You've obviously landed on the concern which is that allowing
Grace to play for the Silver Ferns this year might
set a precedent and other players would play their domestic
netball in Australia instead of New Zealand. Do you think
that risk is real or is it more likely that
only specific players like Grace will actually play in Australia.
Speaker 3 (03:28):
Yeah. Look, the thing is about over an e sec
and or Australia is the pure numbers. So it's six
to one, So six players over in New Zealand in
comparison to one, so the population is massive and as
has been seen over the last three, four or five
years or the inception of SEC and they get an
(03:48):
influx of the best players as well. So you know,
I personally think might be about five or six that's
realistic that will come or be approached, and which means
that the domestic competition is not going to be gutted.
You know, They're still going to be quality players that
will be playing domestically, and I think once again that's
(04:12):
the thing that we have to be mindful of that
it's not going to be an influx of players coming
over to SECN in my in my perspective.
Speaker 2 (04:19):
Indeed, and in your role, Dan Noline, as silver Fern's coach,
does it actually matter to you where your best players
are playing as long as they are playing at a
good level.
Speaker 3 (04:30):
What I've seen as well over the years in you know,
like maybe last ten even in twenty nineteen when we
were number one at that time and took the Netwell
World Cup and it was really only a two horse race,
which was New Zealand and Australia. And with the event
of more competition now, whether it be the A and Z,
(04:51):
SECN or Vitality, it means a lot of other countries
are now getting exposed to the high performance program. And
when I look at Jamaica, for instance, they've probably got
about six or seven of their current starting team that's
applying their trade in FeCN. So what countries don't have
(05:13):
in regards to financials and having a good high performance
program in their home country, now they can get it
from other places. And with the likes now of where
Jamaica is England are, it's not just a two horse
race that it has been in history.
Speaker 2 (05:32):
If we put Grace to one side, how do you
evaluate the depth and quality of the other shooters at
your disposal right now?
Speaker 3 (05:39):
Thought, I believe we still got quality in New Zealand.
There is depths, but not quite at the stage the
readiness to be able to play internationally. What we do
know is, you know Grace when she's involved with us,
and that was shown in twenty twenty three when she
(05:59):
got injured at Netbleworld carp she's probably at least a
thirteen point difference to us. When we have her ound
on court, we're hitting around high fifties sixties. In regards
to volume. We still have those shooters, but not at
the same volume that Grace can produce.
Speaker 2 (06:17):
So this year You'll host South Africa in three tiny
Jamison Trophy matches in September, then Consolation Cup against Australia
four tests, so just seven this year, Dan Noline, Is
that enough as you build towards Colm Games next year?
Speaker 1 (06:29):
Oh?
Speaker 3 (06:29):
Look, I would love more what we've always had in
the past once again, as we've had a generary tour,
So our annual test will probably or calendar will probably
be around ten ten to maybe ten to twelve. I
also know next year we're going into the Commonwealth Games
(06:50):
that will be off the back of A and Z,
so we won't have time to have tests next year
as well, so I'm squeezing out as much as possible
to get more tests. Don't know if that's going to happen.
You know, that's open at the moment. Otherwise we've got
to create that competition and we've got to create it
ourselves and that's pretty hard, but it's something that would
(07:12):
probably have to do. So yeah, I'd love more. I
need more.
Speaker 2 (07:17):
And as you alluded to before the new am Z
Premiership season starts soon, but have you got any clarity
around the shape of the competition beyond this year?
Speaker 3 (07:28):
No, I you know, I've been in discussions as well,
and our CEO has kept me what to call it,
in touch, you updated with what's happening, and unfortunately I
don't know what is actually happening. So you know, hopefully
very soon that these discussions will be cemented and we
(07:49):
know where twenty twenty six going to be for our
A and Z players, but also for the Silver Ferns.
So no, I can't add anything to that discussion at all.
Speaker 2 (08:00):
Not fair enough. Well, I hope Senaty prevails and you
get access to Grace this year. Dan Nolane, Happy Easter.
Thanks for join. We'll I catch up again soon.
Speaker 3 (08:08):
Happy thanks for the call.
Speaker 2 (08:09):
No, thank you for taking the call. Dame Nole and
Nolan Todo them the coach of the Silver Ferns just
seems like a no brainer to me. You know, why
would just stop Dame Noling Todor from picking her best shooter.
It's a Netball New Zealand rule. This isn't the same
as the all blacks eligibility. Let's not compare the two things.
They are miles apart. And this isn't going to open
(08:34):
up a exodus of top players over to Australia because
first of all, they have to have somewhere to play
over there, they have to be attracted to one of
those franchises, and I just don't see that there are
that many who would be Grace Wiki is our best
shooter by daylight, and if we want to win netball
tests and prepare in the best possible fashion for the
(08:56):
Commonwealth Games next year, then grace wki should be playing
for the Silver Ferns this year. Seems like an absolute
no brainer to me, so hopefully Sanity will provo for more.
Speaker 1 (09:07):
From Weekends Sport with Jason Fine, Listen live to news
Talks it B weekends from midday, or follow the podcast
on iHeartRadio
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