Netball New Zealand relaxes strict playing eligibility criteria for Silver Ferns, opening door for more Kiwi stars in Super Netball

Netball New Zealand’s decision to relax strict eligibility rules has opened the door for more Kiwi stars to feature in Super Netball. Here are the five top targets Australian clubs should chase.

Netball New Zealand’s decision on Monday to update its Silver Ferns eligibility criteria to allow “greater flexibility” for athletes wanting to play overseas is likely to have Super Netball recruiters racing to make phone calls to their agents.

Uncertainty around the future of the ANZ Premiership – it will go on again next year in the same reduced capacity as in 2025, with six teams over 10 rounds – and with no broadcast deal yet locked in, New Zealand’s best players had demanded change to a system that in its current form demands they give up national eligibility if not playing in their domestic league.

The revised eligibility criteria will now allow athletes playing overseas the opportunity to be considered for Silver Ferns selection through a “formal exemption process”, something that is expected to lead to several elite players to seek opportunities in Australia next season.

There’s little doubt the move has been accelerated by the decision of star goaler Grace Nweke to play for the NSW Swifts this season despite having to give up Ferns eligibility to do so.

Grace Nweke, in action for the Silver Ferns, has been a revelation since joining the Swifts. Picture: Getty

This decision could mean the 23-year-old remains in Australia next season if she’s able to be considered for next year’s Commonwealth Games – something that was previously unlikely.

And she could be joined by more of her countrywomen.

With the Super Netball free agency period opening on August 4, two days after the grand final, we look at five Silver Ferns players likely to be in high demand in Australia for the 2026 season.

Ameliaranne Ekenasio

Ameliaranne Ekenasio (GA/GS)

The Silver Ferns captain grew up in Bundaberg and played for Australia’s U19 and U21s before starting her professional career with the Queensland Firebirds. Moved to New Zealand to get an opportunity to advance her career and did not take up an import spot due to having New Zealand heritage through her father. Firebirds fans in particular would be salivating at the thought of the silky shooter rejoining the team in what would likely be a career swan song for the 34-year-old. Moving a young family back across the ditch is a big ask, although Casey Kopua has just showed it’s not impossible. Ekenasio has announced she would be unavailable for the Silver Ferns for this year’s international season, saying she needed a break to reset her “mind, body and spirit”.

Teams would be salivating at the chance to add Queensland-born Ameliaranne Ekenasio to their squads. Picture: Getty

Kelly Jackson block

Kelly Jackson (GK, GD)

Jackson (nee Jury) made her debut for the Silver Ferns in 2017 and has developed into one of the most dangerous defenders in the game. At 192cm, 28-year-old Jackson’s height, long reach over the ball, rebounding ability and hunting skills make her an all-round threat. Jackson revealed earlier this season she had turned down offers from Super Netball clubs in order to keep her eligibility for the Silver Ferns. With that door now open, expect plenty more Australian clubs to come knocking again for the rangy defender.

Kelly Jackson puts the pressure on Australia’s Sophie Garbin. Picture: Getty

Maddy Gordon causes intercept

Maddy Gordon (C/WD/WA)

The energetic midcourter made her Silver Ferns debut against Stacey Marinkovich’s Diamonds in the Constellation Cup in 2021 – and has been causing headaches for the Aussies ever since. With genuine ability across all three midcourt positions, Gordon has the versatility to be a massive asset to any Super Netball franchise needing to bolster its playmaking stocks and at just 25, her best netball is still in front of her. Massive engine – played just about all but a quarter of the last Constellation Cup and is likely to bolster the stocks of any Super Netball midcourt.

Silver Fern Maddy Gordon has been a major headache for the Diamonds since her 2021 international debut. Picture: Getty

Karin Burger intercept

Karin Burger (GK/GD/WD)

No stranger to big moves, Burger headed to New Zealand from South Africa as a teenager to chase her dreams and the skip across the ditch would be just another step in her netball adventure. Comfortable in the circle and hunting ball out at wing defence, the quick and athletic defender has the type of game that would translate seamlessly to Super Netball and she would be in demand immediately should she put her hand up for a move. At 184cm she is not huge for a circle defender but that perhaps lulls shooters into a false sense of security she’s able to exploit with her game smarts and incredible speed and agility.

New Zealand’s Karin Burger would be a dream signing for team’s looking for a hard defensive edge. Picture: Getty

Kate Heffernan long pass

Kate Heffernan (WD, C, WA)

Heffernan made her Silver Ferns debut in 2022 and has become a key pillar of the New Zealand midcourt since then. While making her name at wing defence, she can be a multiple threat in the midcourt. A former cricketer for the White Ferns, representing the national team in 2018, Heffernan is tall for a midcourter at 181cm. The 25-year-old’s height and athleticism would make her an asset for any Super Netball club. Heffernan told the New Zealand Herald in June she had been in talks with Australian Super Netball clubs, at the time calling for a change in the test eligibility rules.

Originally published as Netball New Zealand relaxes strict playing eligibility criteria for Silver Ferns, opening door for more Kiwi stars in Super Netball