Giants player Casey Kopua tells all about her netball comeback, turning 40

Shockwaves were sent through the netball world when a formidable force emerged from the locker room, returning after almost six years in retirement. But Casey Kopua’s comeback is unlike Australia has seen before.

Shockwaves were sent through the netball world last month when a formidable force emerged from the locker room, returning after almost six years in retirement to dominate the court one last time.

But veteran Casey Kopua’s comeback is unlike anything Australia has seen before.

The New Zealand Silver Ferns legend, who is one of the most accomplished players in the game, returned to Super Netball just days before celebrating her 40th birthday on Thursday.

Kopua said she is “probably” one of the oldest women currently playing professional sport in the country.

But players and fans know the tough-as-nails defender is not one to underestimate.

The world cup champion was signed by the Giants Netball last month as a replacement player for the injured Jodi-Ann Ward and has wreaked havoc on opponent’s scoreboards ever since.

NSW Giants player Casey Kopua has returned to the court at the age of 40. Picture: Ryan Jones/GIANTS Netball

Kopua told The Sunday Telegraph the game is faster now “and you need to play smarter,” but the kiwi has embraced the challenge.

The hardest part of her return, however, has been comments on social media criticising Kopua for taking an opportunity away from up-and coming players.

Kopua has revived her professional netball career after retiring six years ago. Picture: Ryan Jones/GIANTS Netball)

“I knew there would be criticism as there always is, but I care less for it now,” Kopua said.

“I just stick with what’s happening and use it as extra fuel.”

Behind-the-scenes, Kopua said her husband and three young kids have been her support as she takes on the role of mentor for her fellow Giants players, who are mostly in their late teens and early twenties.

Kopua said the only generational divide on the team is her disinterest in “making TikToks” between training, although her teammates have taken her daughter under their wing.

When asked if she will play next season, Kopua laughed and said 2025 would be the “last one” but anything could be on the cards for the former Silver Ferns captain, who previously came out of retirement once before in 2019.

Kopua said her husband and three children have been her biggest support. Picture: Ryan Jones/GIANTS Netball)

The potential inclusion of netball in the Brisbane 2032 Olympics and Paralympics might be enough to tempt seven more years guarding the ring, with Kopua throwing her support behind the campaign.

Until then, Kopua will continue to break down barriers for women’s sport – one record at a time.

“No matter your age or how old you feel, if you get an opportunity or want to set a goal then go for it. Don’t let anything hold you back,” she said.

“I have a very supportive husband and family, so I am very lucky to be back playing a sport that I love.”

Originally published as Giants player Casey Kopua tells all about her netball comeback, turning 40