October 6, 2025 • 27 mins
This week, super-sub Yvonne Willering joins Jenny Woods to react to Netball New Zealand's announcement of no resolution in the on-going Silver Ferns coaching saga, with Dame Noeline Taurua to remain stood down for the remainder of 2025 including the Constellation Cup and Northern Tour.
The pair discuss the latest updates and Netball NZ's handling of the situation. Plus, what are the expectations of the team heading into the Constellation Cup series against the Australian Diamonds?
Inside Netball is the podcast to get you closer to the game you love!
Former Silver Ferns Adine Wilson and Anna Stanley along with commentator Jenny Woods drill down on the big issues and celebrate the big moments.
Three of the biggest names in netball scrutinise every shot, both on and off the court!
LISTEN ABOVE
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
Inside metfore getting you closer to the game you love
with Nadeen Wilson, Anna Stanley and Jenny Woods.
Speaker 2 (00:07):
Soured by News Talk, zb Well.
Speaker 3 (00:09):
Gee Whiz, we thought we had unsettling times and Netwell
with the uncertainty around the broadcast deal, the twenty twenty
six A and ZED Premiership, the eligibility rules for the
Silver Ferns, and then cub Bomb the Noleane tohrua thing
blew up ten days before the Tiny Jamison series against
South Africa. Nolean Toruh was told you can't come or
(00:34):
don't come, stood down herself and her coaching team, and
you know, the whole Netbell community was just stunned. So
we picked our way through the pieces and we kept
delaying the next pod. We haven't done one since September
twenty five. You may well be aware, and there were
(00:56):
always good reasons. Wait for the test that night, wait
until a particular announcement from NETBA New Zealand. Only nothing
has come except for hot air with lawyers speak stirred
through it. So Jenny Wood's with you for this special
edition of Inside Network, with me one of the few
who seem to have any idea of what's going on
(01:17):
Evon Willering Yvon. I think twenty twenty five it'll go
down as Netbor New Zealand's annisar Ribylus.
Speaker 1 (01:24):
It isn't just with net On New Zealand. That's the
whole thing as well. I mean, the world knows about it.
I've contacts in Australia and they can't believe what's happening.
And it's not just about Dame Nolen. It's also about
the whole process of what's happened and how it all developed,
you know. And yes, it should have stayed in house
and it's a real shame that it didn't, but it
did come out there. And I've heard lawyers say, oh,
(01:47):
it's not no one's business, but withinside the camp, yeah,
it is our business now because it's come out in
the media, we're hearing things. We're also speculating different things
and so yeah, and it's not just about the interests
we're that's a caring for our sport right now and
is at the moment not going anywhere. Well.
Speaker 3 (02:04):
I tend to agree with others who have said we
have no right to know, but we do.
Speaker 2 (02:12):
But do we? Why not? It's our sport that's there.
Speaker 1 (02:15):
If they say that, then don't bring it out in
the open the way they did, you know, by saying
you know that she's being stood down and we've got
these interim coaches available. Yeah, of course there's going to
be interested in that situation, and so there should be
as to why this is happening. And you talk about
Dame Noling Talua, but it's also the rest of her
(02:35):
coaching staff that have also I was gonna be put
down but have been suspended, you know, But you don't
hear about that. So is it about Dame Noling Tarruha
or is it about the coaching environment? And you hear
the word environment all the time, but nothing specific has
come out. And I'm not sure whether Dame nole In
Tarrua actually knows specifically what she is being Well, you
(02:59):
know what what that issue is, because surely by now
they should have come to some agreement. And that's why
we keep locking to see what's the update. And the
latest update is that she has been suspended for the
rest of twenty twenty five.
Speaker 3 (03:15):
Yeah, well that's right, and that's the remotely fresh But
is eve at McCaul and jury and Leana Liota have
been appointed to take the team through the Constellation Cup
and to the Northern Tour. So the Northern Tour is Scotland,
two tests in Scotland and I think three south of
(03:36):
the border in Britain. I think the idea is that
you getting used to prepared for next year's Commonwealth Games.
Can there be anything more to talk about? I mean
they say that we've had what three days of mediation.
They say this all blew up out of the January
camp in Sydney. So that's yep, nine months ago. But
(03:56):
I can't help but think there were things bubbling away
following that twenty twenty three World Cup in Cape Town.
You know, I was there as a commentator. We were
hearing all sorts of things, and of course, if the
team's not winning, and of course Grace Wiki was injured
by then, so we weren't winning, there's always a lot
(04:17):
of grumbling going on, and so without without Wiki, there
were a lot of grumbles and then nobody When nobody
official says anything, you just get all the chatter and
a lot of it is ill informed.
Speaker 1 (04:32):
Yeah, yeah, and I've been in a similar situation to
be fair. You know, we lost the World Champs and yeah,
but the trouble is even just a small problem can
really fester over time if it's not addressed. And it's
a situation nowadays, honestly, it's not just about a coach
and a manager and a physio and a team, right,
I mean they have so much support. Three coaches for
(04:53):
a start off. You have a manager. You know, you've
got your high performance manager in there. Who I say
that person not come out because isn't that they're responsible
for how the team is run and for that high
performance program as what they're always referring to. So you've
got all these people on board. The communication nowadays, you know,
(05:14):
is incredible. Why because they are together for a longer
period of time.
Speaker 2 (05:18):
Surely these issues should have been addressed.
Speaker 1 (05:21):
And you're right when you're losing or we'll start looking
at everyone else, and when we're winning, we take the
pat on the back.
Speaker 3 (05:28):
Well, look at that the Constellation.
Speaker 2 (05:31):
Series last year.
Speaker 3 (05:32):
So that was what October twenty twenty four, we smoked
the Aussies. You know, it was a thrashing and everything
was rosy and I was like, way, you know, we're away.
Speaker 2 (05:42):
Yeah, but then this all blew up exactly.
Speaker 1 (05:46):
Yeah, we lost the tiny Jammerson and all, it sort
of went down a little bit. And yeah, as soon
as the team wins and it was incredible and everyone thought, yeah,
we're back on track. Everything as sweet as you know,
and again, and that's why I think this really caught
a prize. And I think it's called Dame Noli Tarua
by surprise as well, because you'll always have some grumblings.
(06:06):
I mean, that happens. It just happens. Hey, the Prime
Minister even said it in his in his words, you know,
he said that, you know, not everyone likes their bosses.
And I'm going, yeah, you're gonna have your highs and lows,
but you've got to work through that.
Speaker 2 (06:19):
It's as simple as that.
Speaker 1 (06:20):
And yes, nowadays the players do have a lot more
say about what happens both on and off the court,
and that's fine, but there's still a fine line between
what the coach does and what the players do, and
I think that sometimes that line is crossed.
Speaker 3 (06:35):
Yeah, it's interesting, isn't it that this has happened to
to Toru. I mean, she's in the coaching world, in
the NETBA world, she's a legend. She's you know, people
were saying, you know, not Dame Noleine and some in
the South African camp were just stunned that, you know,
we would even consider dropping her. But when I think
(06:56):
back to coaches of the past, my mind went again,
because I was in Gold Coast twenty eighteen for Jeanine
Southby when she had that well misstep. But there was
none of this outpouring. There was none of this feeling
of well, look, let's get round Noline. But I think
(07:19):
they are different people, aren't they. And I think partially
there was also a residual feeling that Southby should never
have been coach of the Silver Ferns.
Speaker 1 (07:28):
Right, don't forget that, noles The Dame noling Taro was
actually picked up from the lightning. It wasn't like she
had to go through a great interview process. She was actually,
this is the person we want for Silver Ferns coach.
I think the whole country agreed with that, and so
that's why she came to the position. But remember after
the World Champs, you know, when her contract came up
(07:51):
for renewal, she wanted a selection process. She wanted to
make sure that she was still the best person for
the job.
Speaker 2 (07:58):
She was.
Speaker 1 (07:58):
I think she was the only applicant. Well, that tells
you something, and that's why I'm going, you know, we're
moving forward. Why what has it changed?
Speaker 3 (08:06):
Does it tell you what we put What some in
the community were saying is well, is that because oh,
well she's going to get the job away, We're going
to get it anyway.
Speaker 1 (08:14):
Well, then people must respond to that and support the
fact that, you know, she is the best person for
the job. If that wasn't thought that way, then others
should have applied. And you know, that's why sometimes it's
all very well to have the rumors in the background,
but then you know, put actions to that as well,
and sometimes that's missing.
Speaker 2 (08:33):
But yeah, it's just the situation.
Speaker 1 (08:35):
Now. I thought that they'd make a change, Like I
was asked this morning by Mike Costin, what would I
have done differently? And I'm going, oh, I don't know
all the information, but what I thought was going to happen,
what I was hoping that would happen, is that no,
she would not get consolation cut, that that still would
be the interim coaches. Let's have that little bit of
(08:55):
continuity and just have everything settled down. But what are
not tunity for her? If they still really want her
in the job, and they have indicated that they know
they're still in negotiations, so you know, send her off
on that northern tour away from all the media, away
from the New Zealand public, you know, and go to Scotland.
And as you and you said, it is about preparation
(09:18):
for the COMM Games as well, because they'll be going
to the venue where the COMM games are, so all
that is in place. And also then send along a
person or two whatever that are there as neutral people,
high performance people, if that's what you know that, but
someone that will is there for both players and coaches.
So if you want to call it protection, whatever, but
(09:40):
it's a situation where no one is being what you
call tested. But you can go into that. They can
have check out exactly where everyone sits. And look, if
Dame Nolen thinks that she's not the right person for
the job, after that, she would have she would have
basically walked from the position. But right now she still
believes she is the right person for the job and
(10:01):
you cannot question her passion.
Speaker 2 (10:03):
No, and you can't either.
Speaker 3 (10:05):
But I wonder I've seen it mentioned somewhere that it's
too divert that divergent going that way.
Speaker 2 (10:12):
That way.
Speaker 3 (10:15):
Beliefs in how the silver Ferns should be run, like
you know, Dame Noline Toruer thinks they should go that
way Netbu, New Zealand. Because you've got to remember what
was the term used. It was psychologically unsafe, that was
the phrase. And I think if I had been an employer,
that would have really worried me. And I wonder if
(10:37):
that's why they're having to act.
Speaker 1 (10:39):
Yeah, and they have mentioned though that they saw the review.
That's all the coaches saw the review, not just one,
you know, and they were totally they certainly were not
in agreement with it. They actually couldn't believe some of
the stuff exactly. And that's all three coaches, and they're
quite different coaches, so it's not like they were just
(10:59):
so Dame Nolen. This is also about the other coaches
as well, even though obviously our total focus.
Speaker 2 (11:05):
Is on Dame Nolen. So yeah, you've got that.
Speaker 1 (11:08):
Situation and they're going, you know, this is what's going
down here. And yes, I think every coach has their
own style. If certainly I would have been described or
I've changed, but as old school and I still have
those values, so I won't change those values. There are
certain values I believe that Dame Nolen won't change. But
(11:28):
she really is with it with regards to stepping up
to the plate with the players of today, and they
have changed over time. Yes, they are taking far more
responsibility or wanting more responsibility from both on and off
the court. And I think that she actually applies that.
And she's got two other coaches that assist there, and
(11:49):
like I said, they are quite different. So yeah, you know,
I don't think we're ever going to know exactly what
it is.
Speaker 2 (11:55):
But now we're in a situation. I'm going, what's going on?
Speaker 1 (11:58):
Now? It's gone from my high performance program and the
environment that they were having a go at whatever that means.
That word environment comes up the time, yes, but now
it has become an employment issue, so now it should
I think now it's going to be behind closed doors
and I'm going, why is it just an employment issue?
(12:20):
And I have come out earlier on and I've said,
why are the appropriate people, the right people not coming
forward and speaking? And I know the lawyers have indicated
noles Cat can't speak, and neither can the other coaches,
you know, And suddenly we've got we've certainly got the
players what are they called the association? Players Association, and
(12:40):
they've they've come out and and I'm going, WHOA, finally,
but now they're in a situation where they're saying a
statement while we're actually no longer involved because it's now
become an employment issue, and I'm going, so we're no
further ahead, And don't forget it was their players association.
I'm not saying they initially started it, but they certainly
put a trigger in because they put back to Neple,
(13:02):
New Zealand the gripes of the players, well some of
the players, let's not we don't know the number.
Speaker 2 (13:08):
No, we don't.
Speaker 3 (13:08):
And I think if you're a player and you have
a beef with a coach, you go.
Speaker 2 (13:13):
To the players Association, don't you.
Speaker 3 (13:14):
Isn't that Why isn't that your.
Speaker 2 (13:17):
Why why would you go there? First seat?
Speaker 3 (13:19):
And where are you suggesting you'd go?
Speaker 1 (13:21):
Well, and one of the statements, and I can say
because I've read it saying, oh, you know, we have
trouble communicating with directly with Knowles, And I'm going, well,
talk to the high performance person, talk to the assistant coach.
Speaker 2 (13:32):
There are plenty of.
Speaker 1 (13:33):
People you can talk to within the environment. Would Dame
Nolan listen if it's secondhand, Yeah, I think she would.
I'd like to think she would, absolutely, So I'm going
it's not a big deal, you know. And sometimes yet
players won't go directly to a coach for fear off
not being selected for future teams. Understand that. I don't
buy that, but I understand where they're coming from. But
(13:56):
then discuss it with other people, and surely that the
whole group, that management group, once everything done beautifully, both
on and off the court, so they should surely address
issues as they present themselves.
Speaker 3 (14:11):
Well yeah, you just you just shake your head. Really
so look, so now it's there.
Speaker 1 (14:17):
You know.
Speaker 3 (14:17):
They're in camp today, yep, preparing for Constellation Cup. But
if we go back to this would be a couple
of weeks. We've had three tests. We've somehow managed to
beat South Africa because they were a good South African team,
cleaned them up by twenty and then each I thought
South Africa really impressed me. Actually every test they got
(14:39):
a bit closer, and then the third Test was just
a cracker.
Speaker 2 (14:41):
It was they could have won that, well, they could
have won.
Speaker 3 (14:44):
That, but it was one goal in the end. And
it was sendings off on both sides and it was
very exciting. And then just at the end, I don't
normally stick around because I wasn't there. I'm watching at
home watching the cut presentation because it was Grace Wiki's
turn to be captain. And I say that because they've
(15:06):
got a leadership group, haven't they. There was Karen Berger, Wicky,
Kate Heffernan, and one more Kelly Jackson. So anyway, it
was Wiki's turn to be captain this time, and and
it was quite funny television because she went up and
she you know, made her speech and thanked the various
people and of course big tall Grace towering over the
(15:30):
small host, and she said, I'd just like to say
one more thing, and I thought, all this is you know,
this is good. And she you know, sort of took
the microphone and she spoke very well, because she does
speak very well, but it was what she said, and
she you know sort of said, turned, looked down the
barrel of the camera and said, you know, Nles, if
(15:52):
you're there, we love you, we miss you, all that
sort of thing. We want you back. And I thought,
good on you. You know, that's a great captain. Speech,
thinking that she was speaking on behalf of the whole team,
it very quickly became evident that she wasn't. And I
think that's probably just about the worst thing a captain
(16:12):
can do.
Speaker 2 (16:15):
Is make a.
Speaker 3 (16:15):
Speech, and with making that, people would think that you
were speaking on behalf of the team and you're not.
Speaker 1 (16:21):
Yeah, I think part I mean, she grabbed the microphone,
wasn't just given to her.
Speaker 2 (16:25):
She grabbed it.
Speaker 1 (16:26):
But I think initially in that postmatch speech when she
was basically wanting to thank Dame Noli Turer for the
work that had been done prior to that series, and
she did, you know, she's established a lot of work
in there, so I think, and that was fine.
Speaker 2 (16:40):
I had absolutely no problems with that.
Speaker 1 (16:42):
And then I think because her crowd reacted so positively,
I mean, they clapped and chaired and everything else, right,
I think she got caught up in the moment and
I'm not saying it was wrong, but she got caught
up in the moment, became emotional, and that's yeah. She
turned to the camera and said what she did, you know,
and initially, I you know, people questioned whether it was
(17:03):
I or we And I listened again and was definitely,
we want you back, you know. And ye did she
speak on behalf of everyone? Probably not. I don't think
that was her intention. But as you indicated, because she
was captain, that was her role. I assumed yes, And
you know, was she in breach of contract? Probably, But
if the one player that could have done it would
(17:26):
have been was raised and wiki because you don't want
to go without without her and the team. But you know,
I don't think that she actually thought beforehand that that
is what she was going to say. I think she
got not only the last part. I don't believe she
was actually thinking. Maybe she did, I don't know.
Speaker 3 (17:46):
In her in her realm of things, she had a
relatively sloppy game.
Speaker 1 (17:51):
Oh, I think that she's absolutely you can say, and
I would think one to say, and when you're wearing
the black dress, you're it's professionalism, get on with the job,
blah blah blah. I'm totally in that. You know, here
the national anthem, you're totally into the game. But they're
also human beings and you know there is stuff going
down right now, and yes, you know, and that will
(18:12):
that affect your game?
Speaker 2 (18:13):
Course?
Speaker 1 (18:13):
It will because it affects you as a person, and
you can't take that away from them, and you wouldn't
want to. I mean that's you know, every person has
the right to feeling what they feel, you know. And
so yeah, I she doesn't need to apologize for that.
She probably will look at that now and going Ah,
probably wasn't the right thing to do, but it did
stir things up, you know, and I actually thought, yes,
(18:36):
it is great because now it's forced us into doing
stuff because this has just gone on for so long
and we get the same information or non information going
through and we're all saying, what is happening? You know,
And I'm sure Dame Nonie Tahu is seeing it home,
going what is happening?
Speaker 3 (18:53):
Yeah, well that's that's very true. I just wonder the
Carton jury and Leana Liota. I think we have to
give them credit. I mean, somehow they steered this. They're
a group of good players. I mean there's no question
about that. And so I wasn't totally surprised that they won.
And now they are I was going to say gathering
(19:15):
at the docks, but they're not. No, they're getting ready
to go to Australia for the Constellation Cup. They've got
Friday night in Melbourne, a few days later in Sydney,
and then they come back across to this side of
the Tasman and they have tests October twenty six and
Hamilton and one in christ Church. How do you think,
(19:36):
with all this going on in the background, will they go?
Speaker 2 (19:39):
Yep, expectations have changed.
Speaker 1 (19:42):
I think initially we would have said, obviously, we want
to win that Test series. You know, I'll force up,
but let's be realistic. Three to one would have been
fine too, so realistically, but now no, I think the
expectations have changed on that. And you know it's a
question of list play and perform well. But I don't
think the expectation is that we win the series this time.
(20:06):
But you know, it's it's a situation again the players
will give their best effort out on court. But again, yep,
there is there are aspects that are there that is
really hard. You can say, block it out, you know,
again that's not that easy to do, but you know
what I mean. Obviously we would love them to win
every game. We want that with the Silver Ferns every
(20:28):
time they go out on court, and they're a quality side.
I think I don't know if it's been named yet.
But I think only addition is Warmsley and an equation
and one of the other shooters. If it's already out there,
one shooter will be dropped for that series. Rather they
had a squad of what eighteen, but a couple of
(20:50):
those players have not been used and their time will come.
And you earn the right to be a silver Fern's
as simple as that, you know. But you know, put
on the dress, put on the silver fern, and the
expectation is that you perform to the best of your
ability on that particular day, whatever their outside stuff is.
Having said that, if we win this series, some people
(21:10):
are going to go, hey, let's just move forward, and
I'm going no, we also need to address the issues
that are there. But at the moment, I think certainly
that the Dame Nolly Taru issue has been parked because
and I understand that, because it is right now about
the Constellation Cup, the respect for the black Dress, respect
for Australia, respect for our crowds that take part, and
(21:33):
in part for our sport as well. I mean, you know,
that's taken a real beating right now, so that they
do that and then the Northern Series year again like
I said that was that's that's actually I'm sorry, but
it's a bit of an add on anyway, Well, it is.
Speaker 3 (21:49):
And I think that was just all about going and
playing on the venues that where the COMM games are
going to be played next year.
Speaker 2 (21:55):
And that's why that thing.
Speaker 1 (21:56):
Disappointed that Dame Nolly is not going, because what does
that say for her going forward?
Speaker 3 (22:03):
You say expectations have changed. I mean, I always expect
the Silver Ferns to win.
Speaker 2 (22:07):
I really, you know, I do.
Speaker 3 (22:08):
And the one thing I'm looking forward to is I'm
a resumption of the wiki versus Courtney Bruce and that.
Speaker 1 (22:16):
Yeah, but they know each other quite well because of
the Sun Corpse series.
Speaker 3 (22:20):
They do, and I remember that in South Africa there
was that there was that bit of biffo and I
mean it was whether or not it's a good thing
for the game, I don't know. I love well, I
don't know that I love it, but I do quite
like it, and I think that will be interesting. But
I just wonder. It's one criticism of SEC and like
Sun Corp, is that because they have open slather to
(22:43):
all the overseas imports, that their shooters have suffered because
they can't you get enough players and well bring through
enough players. And I just wonder if you know Wiki
has got herself in a position where she is clearly
going to be one of the real problems for Australia
(23:04):
in the coming weeks.
Speaker 1 (23:05):
No, absolutely, but like I said, they know her and
I agree with you. All the import players, if I
was the Australian coast, it's limited the numbers that she
can select from, but also limit the numbers of players
development players able to come through. And you've heard Evan
carry Will saying I will take experienced players rather than
developing Australian players into the team. And that league actually
(23:28):
is it's almost an international league, isn't it, you know,
rather than a league to develop future Australian players. So
I think after next year they will look at reducing
the number of import players per team. I've already heard
that is on the cards, and I believe they should
do that.
Speaker 2 (23:46):
Limit the amount.
Speaker 1 (23:47):
I know, we've gone up to two and maybe they
need to go down to two.
Speaker 2 (23:51):
Down well in the middle exactly.
Speaker 1 (23:53):
But what's interesting about the series, I mean, if you
make the comparison, that's what was doing before. Okay, we've
just finished the South Africa, and yet it's certainly South
Africa improved with every game played and the hassles were
there within obviously the Fern's environment, not on the court,
but the environment as a whole. But Australia's just played
South Africa and they won by eleven. So I look
(24:15):
at that and go, we're going to be competitive.
Speaker 3 (24:18):
Well indeed, now if you were a betting woman, what
would be the chances how much money would you be
putting on this bruhaha? All being cleaned up and you know,
by the time we do another pod, it hasn't been
clean up in all this time. When they went into
mediation that time, spent two days there and they openly
(24:39):
said that ten hours on their first day, if they
haven't come to an answer, then are they ever going
to come to an answer?
Speaker 2 (24:46):
And somewhere on the line.
Speaker 1 (24:47):
Has got to be huge give and take if Noline
is going to get the position again, and you know
she's going to have to make changes absolutely because obviously
you know, and I'm not saying they're stubborn, but they
both you know when I say both Nebulinws don't has
their opinions and thoughts about what's required and let's take
it obviously in association from the players association, you know,
(25:10):
and there's certain aspects that Dame Norling Tower will won't change.
Now she's in a position not required for the rest
of twenty twenty five, she will have time to reflect
on all this and go, Okay, maybe I can make
changes here. See I think what she needs now and
certainly I've had that in the past is as a
person coming in, someone that she trusts. But is there
(25:33):
as a sort of a liaison between coach and players.
So if players are saying, oh, we can't make direct
contact with the coach for whatever reason, does that not
what a deebs fuller is or well I would have
thought so, But obviously the answer is no. They obviously
some players believe that they were a very tight unit
within their own thing and they felt probably as a unit,
(25:54):
they couldn't talk to them. Some some are along the line,
someone has to come out with a bigger statements then
just what has been said, and just to say the
environment was I know you said whatever the environment was,
I don't even understand what that. Yeah, And then they
constantly environment but they won't elaborate on that, and they're
(26:15):
going to have to if they want changes made, and
if they still want Dame Nolin Taro for the job,
then there's got to be given take on both sides,
and that also includes the players.
Speaker 2 (26:26):
And that's why it.
Speaker 1 (26:27):
Would have been a great opportunity to have gone away
over to Scotland and sort a lot of the stuff out.
Speaker 3 (26:33):
Yeah, well, I can't help but agree. But I also
can't help but think there were a few people online.
I saw the comments about, you know, taking it out
on the team, you know, don't back the Silver Ferns,
all that sort of thing, But I don't think it's
sort of picked up too much momentum. But next Friday
(26:53):
or October seventeen, get behind the Ferns.
Speaker 2 (26:56):
They're playing in Melbourne.
Speaker 3 (26:58):
I don't know that you can be lucky enough to
get over there, but if you can get to Hamilton,
get to christ Church and let's hope that for the
first time we can defend the Constellation Cup. So I'm
sure there'll be a lot more to play out
Inside metfore getting you closer to the game you love
with Nadeen Wilson, Anna Stanley and Jenny Woods.
Speaker 2 (00:07):
Soured by News Talk, zb Well.
Speaker 3 (00:09):
Gee Whiz, we thought we had unsettling times and Netwell
with the uncertainty around the broadcast deal, the twenty twenty
six A and ZED Premiership, the eligibility rules for the
Silver Ferns, and then cub Bomb the Noleane tohrua thing
blew up ten days before the Tiny Jamison series against
South Africa. Nolean Toruh was told you can't come or
(00:34):
don't come, stood down herself and her coaching team, and
you know, the whole Netbell community was just stunned. So
we picked our way through the pieces and we kept
delaying the next pod. We haven't done one since September
twenty five. You may well be aware, and there were
(00:56):
always good reasons. Wait for the test that night, wait
until a particular announcement from NETBA New Zealand. Only nothing
has come except for hot air with lawyers speak stirred
through it. So Jenny Wood's with you for this special
edition of Inside Network, with me one of the few
who seem to have any idea of what's going on
(01:17):
Evon Willering Yvon. I think twenty twenty five it'll go
down as Netbor New Zealand's annisar Ribylus.
Speaker 1 (01:24):
It isn't just with net On New Zealand. That's the
whole thing as well. I mean, the world knows about it.
I've contacts in Australia and they can't believe what's happening.
And it's not just about Dame Nolen. It's also about
the whole process of what's happened and how it all developed,
you know. And yes, it should have stayed in house
and it's a real shame that it didn't, but it
did come out there. And I've heard lawyers say, oh,
(01:47):
it's not no one's business, but withinside the camp, yeah,
it is our business now because it's come out in
the media, we're hearing things. We're also speculating different things
and so yeah, and it's not just about the interests
we're that's a caring for our sport right now and
is at the moment not going anywhere. Well.
Speaker 3 (02:04):
I tend to agree with others who have said we
have no right to know, but we do.
Speaker 2 (02:12):
But do we? Why not? It's our sport that's there.
Speaker 1 (02:15):
If they say that, then don't bring it out in
the open the way they did, you know, by saying
you know that she's being stood down and we've got
these interim coaches available. Yeah, of course there's going to
be interested in that situation, and so there should be
as to why this is happening. And you talk about
Dame Noling Talua, but it's also the rest of her
(02:35):
coaching staff that have also I was gonna be put
down but have been suspended, you know, But you don't
hear about that. So is it about Dame Noling Tarruha
or is it about the coaching environment? And you hear
the word environment all the time, but nothing specific has
come out. And I'm not sure whether Dame nole In
Tarrua actually knows specifically what she is being Well, you
(02:59):
know what what that issue is, because surely by now
they should have come to some agreement. And that's why
we keep locking to see what's the update. And the
latest update is that she has been suspended for the
rest of twenty twenty five.
Speaker 3 (03:15):
Yeah, well that's right, and that's the remotely fresh But
is eve at McCaul and jury and Leana Liota have
been appointed to take the team through the Constellation Cup
and to the Northern Tour. So the Northern Tour is Scotland,
two tests in Scotland and I think three south of
(03:36):
the border in Britain. I think the idea is that
you getting used to prepared for next year's Commonwealth Games.
Can there be anything more to talk about? I mean
they say that we've had what three days of mediation.
They say this all blew up out of the January
camp in Sydney. So that's yep, nine months ago. But
(03:56):
I can't help but think there were things bubbling away
following that twenty twenty three World Cup in Cape Town.
You know, I was there as a commentator. We were
hearing all sorts of things, and of course, if the
team's not winning, and of course Grace Wiki was injured
by then, so we weren't winning, there's always a lot
(04:17):
of grumbling going on, and so without without Wiki, there
were a lot of grumbles and then nobody When nobody
official says anything, you just get all the chatter and
a lot of it is ill informed.
Speaker 1 (04:32):
Yeah, yeah, and I've been in a similar situation to
be fair. You know, we lost the World Champs and yeah,
but the trouble is even just a small problem can
really fester over time if it's not addressed. And it's
a situation nowadays, honestly, it's not just about a coach
and a manager and a physio and a team, right,
I mean they have so much support. Three coaches for
(04:53):
a start off. You have a manager. You know, you've
got your high performance manager in there. Who I say
that person not come out because isn't that they're responsible
for how the team is run and for that high
performance program as what they're always referring to. So you've
got all these people on board. The communication nowadays, you know,
(05:14):
is incredible. Why because they are together for a longer
period of time.
Speaker 2 (05:18):
Surely these issues should have been addressed.
Speaker 1 (05:21):
And you're right when you're losing or we'll start looking
at everyone else, and when we're winning, we take the
pat on the back.
Speaker 3 (05:28):
Well, look at that the Constellation.
Speaker 2 (05:31):
Series last year.
Speaker 3 (05:32):
So that was what October twenty twenty four, we smoked
the Aussies. You know, it was a thrashing and everything
was rosy and I was like, way, you know, we're away.
Speaker 2 (05:42):
Yeah, but then this all blew up exactly.
Speaker 1 (05:46):
Yeah, we lost the tiny Jammerson and all, it sort
of went down a little bit. And yeah, as soon
as the team wins and it was incredible and everyone thought, yeah,
we're back on track. Everything as sweet as you know,
and again, and that's why I think this really caught
a prize. And I think it's called Dame Noli Tarua
by surprise as well, because you'll always have some grumblings.
(06:06):
I mean, that happens. It just happens. Hey, the Prime
Minister even said it in his in his words, you know,
he said that, you know, not everyone likes their bosses.
And I'm going, yeah, you're gonna have your highs and lows,
but you've got to work through that.
Speaker 2 (06:19):
It's as simple as that.
Speaker 1 (06:20):
And yes, nowadays the players do have a lot more
say about what happens both on and off the court,
and that's fine, but there's still a fine line between
what the coach does and what the players do, and
I think that sometimes that line is crossed.
Speaker 3 (06:35):
Yeah, it's interesting, isn't it that this has happened to
to Toru. I mean, she's in the coaching world, in
the NETBA world, she's a legend. She's you know, people
were saying, you know, not Dame Noleine and some in
the South African camp were just stunned that, you know,
we would even consider dropping her. But when I think
(06:56):
back to coaches of the past, my mind went again,
because I was in Gold Coast twenty eighteen for Jeanine
Southby when she had that well misstep. But there was
none of this outpouring. There was none of this feeling
of well, look, let's get round Noline. But I think
(07:19):
they are different people, aren't they. And I think partially
there was also a residual feeling that Southby should never
have been coach of the Silver Ferns.
Speaker 1 (07:28):
Right, don't forget that, noles The Dame noling Taro was
actually picked up from the lightning. It wasn't like she
had to go through a great interview process. She was actually,
this is the person we want for Silver Ferns coach.
I think the whole country agreed with that, and so
that's why she came to the position. But remember after
the World Champs, you know, when her contract came up
(07:51):
for renewal, she wanted a selection process. She wanted to
make sure that she was still the best person for
the job.
Speaker 2 (07:58):
She was.
Speaker 1 (07:58):
I think she was the only applicant. Well, that tells
you something, and that's why I'm going, you know, we're
moving forward. Why what has it changed?
Speaker 3 (08:06):
Does it tell you what we put What some in
the community were saying is well, is that because oh,
well she's going to get the job away, We're going
to get it anyway.
Speaker 1 (08:14):
Well, then people must respond to that and support the
fact that, you know, she is the best person for
the job. If that wasn't thought that way, then others
should have applied. And you know, that's why sometimes it's
all very well to have the rumors in the background,
but then you know, put actions to that as well,
and sometimes that's missing.
Speaker 2 (08:33):
But yeah, it's just the situation.
Speaker 1 (08:35):
Now. I thought that they'd make a change, Like I
was asked this morning by Mike Costin, what would I
have done differently? And I'm going, oh, I don't know
all the information, but what I thought was going to happen,
what I was hoping that would happen, is that no,
she would not get consolation cut, that that still would
be the interim coaches. Let's have that little bit of
(08:55):
continuity and just have everything settled down. But what are
not tunity for her? If they still really want her
in the job, and they have indicated that they know
they're still in negotiations, so you know, send her off
on that northern tour away from all the media, away
from the New Zealand public, you know, and go to Scotland.
And as you and you said, it is about preparation
(09:18):
for the COMM Games as well, because they'll be going
to the venue where the COMM games are, so all
that is in place. And also then send along a
person or two whatever that are there as neutral people,
high performance people, if that's what you know that, but
someone that will is there for both players and coaches.
So if you want to call it protection, whatever, but
(09:40):
it's a situation where no one is being what you
call tested. But you can go into that. They can
have check out exactly where everyone sits. And look, if
Dame Nolen thinks that she's not the right person for
the job, after that, she would have she would have
basically walked from the position. But right now she still
believes she is the right person for the job and
(10:01):
you cannot question her passion.
Speaker 2 (10:03):
No, and you can't either.
Speaker 3 (10:05):
But I wonder I've seen it mentioned somewhere that it's
too divert that divergent going that way.
Speaker 2 (10:12):
That way.
Speaker 3 (10:15):
Beliefs in how the silver Ferns should be run, like
you know, Dame Noline Toruer thinks they should go that
way Netbu, New Zealand. Because you've got to remember what
was the term used. It was psychologically unsafe, that was
the phrase. And I think if I had been an employer,
that would have really worried me. And I wonder if
(10:37):
that's why they're having to act.
Speaker 1 (10:39):
Yeah, and they have mentioned though that they saw the review.
That's all the coaches saw the review, not just one,
you know, and they were totally they certainly were not
in agreement with it. They actually couldn't believe some of
the stuff exactly. And that's all three coaches, and they're
quite different coaches, so it's not like they were just
(10:59):
so Dame Nolen. This is also about the other coaches
as well, even though obviously our total focus.
Speaker 2 (11:05):
Is on Dame Nolen. So yeah, you've got that.
Speaker 1 (11:08):
Situation and they're going, you know, this is what's going
down here. And yes, I think every coach has their
own style. If certainly I would have been described or
I've changed, but as old school and I still have
those values, so I won't change those values. There are
certain values I believe that Dame Nolen won't change. But
(11:28):
she really is with it with regards to stepping up
to the plate with the players of today, and they
have changed over time. Yes, they are taking far more
responsibility or wanting more responsibility from both on and off
the court. And I think that she actually applies that.
And she's got two other coaches that assist there, and
(11:49):
like I said, they are quite different. So yeah, you know,
I don't think we're ever going to know exactly what
it is.
Speaker 2 (11:55):
But now we're in a situation. I'm going, what's going on?
Speaker 1 (11:58):
Now? It's gone from my high performance program and the
environment that they were having a go at whatever that means.
That word environment comes up the time, yes, but now
it has become an employment issue, so now it should
I think now it's going to be behind closed doors
and I'm going, why is it just an employment issue?
(12:20):
And I have come out earlier on and I've said,
why are the appropriate people, the right people not coming
forward and speaking? And I know the lawyers have indicated
noles Cat can't speak, and neither can the other coaches,
you know, And suddenly we've got we've certainly got the
players what are they called the association? Players Association, and
(12:40):
they've they've come out and and I'm going, WHOA, finally,
but now they're in a situation where they're saying a
statement while we're actually no longer involved because it's now
become an employment issue, and I'm going, so we're no
further ahead, And don't forget it was their players association.
I'm not saying they initially started it, but they certainly
put a trigger in because they put back to Neple,
(13:02):
New Zealand the gripes of the players, well some of
the players, let's not we don't know the number.
Speaker 2 (13:08):
No, we don't.
Speaker 3 (13:08):
And I think if you're a player and you have
a beef with a coach, you go.
Speaker 2 (13:13):
To the players Association, don't you.
Speaker 3 (13:14):
Isn't that Why isn't that your.
Speaker 2 (13:17):
Why why would you go there? First seat?
Speaker 3 (13:19):
And where are you suggesting you'd go?
Speaker 1 (13:21):
Well, and one of the statements, and I can say
because I've read it saying, oh, you know, we have
trouble communicating with directly with Knowles, And I'm going, well,
talk to the high performance person, talk to the assistant coach.
Speaker 2 (13:32):
There are plenty of.
Speaker 1 (13:33):
People you can talk to within the environment. Would Dame
Nolan listen if it's secondhand, Yeah, I think she would.
I'd like to think she would, absolutely, So I'm going
it's not a big deal, you know. And sometimes yet
players won't go directly to a coach for fear off
not being selected for future teams. Understand that. I don't
buy that, but I understand where they're coming from. But
(13:56):
then discuss it with other people, and surely that the
whole group, that management group, once everything done beautifully, both
on and off the court, so they should surely address
issues as they present themselves.
Speaker 3 (14:11):
Well yeah, you just you just shake your head. Really
so look, so now it's there.
Speaker 1 (14:17):
You know.
Speaker 3 (14:17):
They're in camp today, yep, preparing for Constellation Cup. But
if we go back to this would be a couple
of weeks. We've had three tests. We've somehow managed to
beat South Africa because they were a good South African team,
cleaned them up by twenty and then each I thought
South Africa really impressed me. Actually every test they got
(14:39):
a bit closer, and then the third Test was just
a cracker.
Speaker 2 (14:41):
It was they could have won that, well, they could
have won.
Speaker 3 (14:44):
That, but it was one goal in the end. And
it was sendings off on both sides and it was
very exciting. And then just at the end, I don't
normally stick around because I wasn't there. I'm watching at
home watching the cut presentation because it was Grace Wiki's
turn to be captain. And I say that because they've
(15:06):
got a leadership group, haven't they. There was Karen Berger, Wicky,
Kate Heffernan, and one more Kelly Jackson. So anyway, it
was Wiki's turn to be captain this time, and and
it was quite funny television because she went up and
she you know, made her speech and thanked the various
people and of course big tall Grace towering over the
(15:30):
small host, and she said, I'd just like to say
one more thing, and I thought, all this is you know,
this is good. And she you know, sort of took
the microphone and she spoke very well, because she does
speak very well, but it was what she said, and
she you know sort of said, turned, looked down the
barrel of the camera and said, you know, Nles, if
(15:52):
you're there, we love you, we miss you, all that
sort of thing. We want you back. And I thought,
good on you. You know, that's a great captain. Speech,
thinking that she was speaking on behalf of the whole team,
it very quickly became evident that she wasn't. And I
think that's probably just about the worst thing a captain
(16:12):
can do.
Speaker 2 (16:15):
Is make a.
Speaker 3 (16:15):
Speech, and with making that, people would think that you
were speaking on behalf of the team and you're not.
Speaker 1 (16:21):
Yeah, I think part I mean, she grabbed the microphone,
wasn't just given to her.
Speaker 2 (16:25):
She grabbed it.
Speaker 1 (16:26):
But I think initially in that postmatch speech when she
was basically wanting to thank Dame Noli Turer for the
work that had been done prior to that series, and
she did, you know, she's established a lot of work
in there, so I think, and that was fine.
Speaker 2 (16:40):
I had absolutely no problems with that.
Speaker 1 (16:42):
And then I think because her crowd reacted so positively,
I mean, they clapped and chaired and everything else, right,
I think she got caught up in the moment and
I'm not saying it was wrong, but she got caught
up in the moment, became emotional, and that's yeah. She
turned to the camera and said what she did, you know,
and initially, I you know, people questioned whether it was
(17:03):
I or we And I listened again and was definitely,
we want you back, you know. And ye did she
speak on behalf of everyone? Probably not. I don't think
that was her intention. But as you indicated, because she
was captain, that was her role. I assumed yes, And
you know, was she in breach of contract? Probably, But
if the one player that could have done it would
(17:26):
have been was raised and wiki because you don't want
to go without without her and the team. But you know,
I don't think that she actually thought beforehand that that
is what she was going to say. I think she
got not only the last part. I don't believe she
was actually thinking. Maybe she did, I don't know.
Speaker 3 (17:46):
In her in her realm of things, she had a
relatively sloppy game.
Speaker 1 (17:51):
Oh, I think that she's absolutely you can say, and
I would think one to say, and when you're wearing
the black dress, you're it's professionalism, get on with the job,
blah blah blah. I'm totally in that. You know, here
the national anthem, you're totally into the game. But they're
also human beings and you know there is stuff going
down right now, and yes, you know, and that will
(18:12):
that affect your game?
Speaker 2 (18:13):
Course?
Speaker 1 (18:13):
It will because it affects you as a person, and
you can't take that away from them, and you wouldn't
want to. I mean that's you know, every person has
the right to feeling what they feel, you know. And
so yeah, I she doesn't need to apologize for that.
She probably will look at that now and going Ah,
probably wasn't the right thing to do, but it did
stir things up, you know, and I actually thought, yes,
(18:36):
it is great because now it's forced us into doing
stuff because this has just gone on for so long
and we get the same information or non information going
through and we're all saying, what is happening? You know,
And I'm sure Dame Nonie Tahu is seeing it home,
going what is happening?
Speaker 3 (18:53):
Yeah, well that's that's very true. I just wonder the
Carton jury and Leana Liota. I think we have to
give them credit. I mean, somehow they steered this. They're
a group of good players. I mean there's no question
about that. And so I wasn't totally surprised that they won.
And now they are I was going to say gathering
(19:15):
at the docks, but they're not. No, they're getting ready
to go to Australia for the Constellation Cup. They've got
Friday night in Melbourne, a few days later in Sydney,
and then they come back across to this side of
the Tasman and they have tests October twenty six and
Hamilton and one in christ Church. How do you think,
(19:36):
with all this going on in the background, will they go?
Speaker 2 (19:39):
Yep, expectations have changed.
Speaker 1 (19:42):
I think initially we would have said, obviously, we want
to win that Test series. You know, I'll force up,
but let's be realistic. Three to one would have been
fine too, so realistically, but now no, I think the
expectations have changed on that. And you know it's a
question of list play and perform well. But I don't
think the expectation is that we win the series this time.
(20:06):
But you know, it's it's a situation again the players
will give their best effort out on court. But again, yep,
there is there are aspects that are there that is
really hard. You can say, block it out, you know,
again that's not that easy to do, but you know
what I mean. Obviously we would love them to win
every game. We want that with the Silver Ferns every
(20:28):
time they go out on court, and they're a quality side.
I think I don't know if it's been named yet.
But I think only addition is Warmsley and an equation
and one of the other shooters. If it's already out there,
one shooter will be dropped for that series. Rather they
had a squad of what eighteen, but a couple of
(20:50):
those players have not been used and their time will come.
And you earn the right to be a silver Fern's
as simple as that, you know. But you know, put
on the dress, put on the silver fern, and the
expectation is that you perform to the best of your
ability on that particular day, whatever their outside stuff is.
Having said that, if we win this series, some people
(21:10):
are going to go, hey, let's just move forward, and
I'm going no, we also need to address the issues
that are there. But at the moment, I think certainly
that the Dame Nolly Taru issue has been parked because
and I understand that, because it is right now about
the Constellation Cup, the respect for the black Dress, respect
for Australia, respect for our crowds that take part, and
(21:33):
in part for our sport as well. I mean, you know,
that's taken a real beating right now, so that they
do that and then the Northern Series year again like
I said that was that's that's actually I'm sorry, but
it's a bit of an add on anyway, Well, it is.
Speaker 3 (21:49):
And I think that was just all about going and
playing on the venues that where the COMM games are
going to be played next year.
Speaker 2 (21:55):
And that's why that thing.
Speaker 1 (21:56):
Disappointed that Dame Nolly is not going, because what does
that say for her going forward?
Speaker 3 (22:03):
You say expectations have changed. I mean, I always expect
the Silver Ferns to win.
Speaker 2 (22:07):
I really, you know, I do.
Speaker 3 (22:08):
And the one thing I'm looking forward to is I'm
a resumption of the wiki versus Courtney Bruce and that.
Speaker 1 (22:16):
Yeah, but they know each other quite well because of
the Sun Corpse series.
Speaker 3 (22:20):
They do, and I remember that in South Africa there
was that there was that bit of biffo and I
mean it was whether or not it's a good thing
for the game, I don't know. I love well, I
don't know that I love it, but I do quite
like it, and I think that will be interesting. But
I just wonder. It's one criticism of SEC and like
Sun Corp, is that because they have open slather to
(22:43):
all the overseas imports, that their shooters have suffered because
they can't you get enough players and well bring through
enough players. And I just wonder if you know Wiki
has got herself in a position where she is clearly
going to be one of the real problems for Australia
(23:04):
in the coming weeks.
Speaker 1 (23:05):
No, absolutely, but like I said, they know her and
I agree with you. All the import players, if I
was the Australian coast, it's limited the numbers that she
can select from, but also limit the numbers of players
development players able to come through. And you've heard Evan
carry Will saying I will take experienced players rather than
developing Australian players into the team. And that league actually
(23:28):
is it's almost an international league, isn't it, you know,
rather than a league to develop future Australian players. So
I think after next year they will look at reducing
the number of import players per team. I've already heard
that is on the cards, and I believe they should
do that.
Speaker 2 (23:46):
Limit the amount.
Speaker 1 (23:47):
I know, we've gone up to two and maybe they
need to go down to two.
Speaker 2 (23:51):
Down well in the middle exactly.
Speaker 1 (23:53):
But what's interesting about the series, I mean, if you
make the comparison, that's what was doing before. Okay, we've
just finished the South Africa, and yet it's certainly South
Africa improved with every game played and the hassles were
there within obviously the Fern's environment, not on the court,
but the environment as a whole. But Australia's just played
South Africa and they won by eleven. So I look
(24:15):
at that and go, we're going to be competitive.
Speaker 3 (24:18):
Well indeed, now if you were a betting woman, what
would be the chances how much money would you be
putting on this bruhaha? All being cleaned up and you know,
by the time we do another pod, it hasn't been
clean up in all this time. When they went into
mediation that time, spent two days there and they openly
(24:39):
said that ten hours on their first day, if they
haven't come to an answer, then are they ever going
to come to an answer?
Speaker 2 (24:46):
And somewhere on the line.
Speaker 1 (24:47):
Has got to be huge give and take if Noline
is going to get the position again, and you know
she's going to have to make changes absolutely because obviously
you know, and I'm not saying they're stubborn, but they
both you know when I say both Nebulinws don't has
their opinions and thoughts about what's required and let's take
it obviously in association from the players association, you know,
(25:10):
and there's certain aspects that Dame Norling Tower will won't change.
Now she's in a position not required for the rest
of twenty twenty five, she will have time to reflect
on all this and go, Okay, maybe I can make
changes here. See I think what she needs now and
certainly I've had that in the past is as a
person coming in, someone that she trusts. But is there
(25:33):
as a sort of a liaison between coach and players.
So if players are saying, oh, we can't make direct
contact with the coach for whatever reason, does that not
what a deebs fuller is or well I would have
thought so, But obviously the answer is no. They obviously
some players believe that they were a very tight unit
within their own thing and they felt probably as a unit,
(25:54):
they couldn't talk to them. Some some are along the line,
someone has to come out with a bigger statements then
just what has been said, and just to say the
environment was I know you said whatever the environment was,
I don't even understand what that. Yeah, And then they
constantly environment but they won't elaborate on that, and they're
(26:15):
going to have to if they want changes made, and
if they still want Dame Nolin Taro for the job,
then there's got to be given take on both sides,
and that also includes the players.
Speaker 2 (26:26):
And that's why it.
Speaker 1 (26:27):
Would have been a great opportunity to have gone away
over to Scotland and sort a lot of the stuff out.
Speaker 3 (26:33):
Yeah, well, I can't help but agree. But I also
can't help but think there were a few people online.
I saw the comments about, you know, taking it out
on the team, you know, don't back the Silver Ferns,
all that sort of thing, But I don't think it's
sort of picked up too much momentum. But next Friday
(26:53):
or October seventeen, get behind the Ferns.
Speaker 2 (26:56):
They're playing in Melbourne.
Speaker 3 (26:58):
I don't know that you can be lucky enough to
get over there, but if you can get to Hamilton,
get to christ Church and let's hope that for the
first time we can defend the Constellation Cup. So I'm
sure there'll be a lot more to play out
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.