The Silver Ferns squad for the 2025/2026 season represents a strategic blend of world-class experience and explosive new talent, carefully curated to reclaim dominance on the global stage. Headlined by the historic eligibility exemption of superstar shooter Grace Nweke, the current roster features a revamped shooting circle and a defensive unit bolstered by rising ANZ Premiership standouts Catherine Hall and Carys Stythe. This article provides a comprehensive look at the players wearing the black dress in 2026, examining their tactical roles, recent international form, and the impact of senior leaders like interim captain Karin Burger. We provide detailed player profiles, shooting and defensive statistics, and an analysis of the "Next Gen" athletes transition from the Development Squad into the high-performance international arena.
The Current Silver Ferns Squad (2025/2026)
The selection of the 2025/2026 Silver Ferns squad marked a significant milestone in New Zealand netball history, particularly with the Netball New Zealand Board's decision to grant Grace Nweke an eligibility exemption. This allows her to represent the Ferns while playing in the Australian Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) league, ensuring the nation's most dominant scorer remains available for the 2026 Commonwealth Games. The squad is characterized by its "fit-for-purpose" conditioning, with every player required to meet elite aerobic benchmarks. Beyond the established stars, the inclusion of newcomers like Martina Salmon and Saviour Tui signals a shift toward a more mobile and versatile attacking game plan. The squad is divided into functional units—Shooters, Midcourters, and Defenders—each overseen by specialist coaching staff to ensure tactical cohesion during the grueling international windows.
- Shooters: Grace Nweke, Amelia Walmsley, Martina Salmon, Georgia Heffernan, Filda Vui, Saviour Tui.
- Midcourters: Maddy Gordon, Kate Heffernan, Mila Reuelu-Buchanan, Peta Toeava, Kimiora Poi.
- Defenders: Karin Burger (Interim Captain), Kelly Jackson (Interim Vice-Captain), Carys Stythe, Catherine Hall, Phoenix Karaka.
- Selection Focus: Versatility, high-intensity aerobic capacity, and tactical IQ.
Shooters: Grace Nweke, Amelia Walmsley, Martina Salmon, Georgia Heffernan, Filda Vui, Saviour Tui.
Midcourters: Maddy Gordon, Kate Heffernan, Mila Reuelu-Buchanan, Peta Toeava, Kimiora Poi.
Defenders: Karin Burger (Interim Captain), Kelly Jackson (Interim Vice-Captain), Carys Stythe, Catherine Hall, Phoenix Karaka.
Selection Focus: Versatility, high-intensity aerobic capacity, and tactical IQ.
| Player | Position | Franchise (2026) | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Karin Burger | GD/WD | Mainland Tactix | Interim Captain & Defensive Anchor |
| Kelly Jackson | GK | Australian SSN | Interim Vice-Captain & Lead Stopper |
| Grace Nweke | GS | Australian SSN | Primary Aerial Target |
| Maddy Gordon | C/WA | Central Pulse | Midcourt Engine Room |
The Eligibility Exemption Breakthrough
The decision to allow Grace Nweke to play from an Australian base was a pragmatic response to the evolving global landscape of the sport. By keeping their best shooter in the mix, Netball NZ has prioritized international competitiveness. Read more in Wikipedia.
Leading the Charge: Captaincy and Leadership
In late 2025, Karin Burger was appointed as the interim captain of the Silver Ferns, supported by Kelly Jackson as vice-captain. This leadership duo represents the "engine" of the New Zealand defense, known for their relentless work rate and ability to lead by example. Burger, a two-time ANZ Premiership Player of the Year, brings a "tagging" intensity to the Goal Defense position that is essential for shutting down world-class shooters from Australia and England. Kelly Jackson (formerly Jury) provides the calm, vocal leadership from the back, utilizing her 1.92m frame to orchestrate the zonal "Wall." Together, they have been tasked with mentoring the influx of young talent while maintaining the high standards of the "black dress" culture during a period where veteran leaders like Ameliaranne Ekenasio were unavailable for selection.
- Karin Burger: Interim Captain; known for 60-minute intensity and versatility.
- Kelly Jackson: Interim Vice-Captain; specialist in spatial awareness and deflections.
- Leadership Transition: Moving from a traditional captaincy to a "leadership group" model.
- Cultural Focus: Emphasizing "Mana" and accountability within the squad.
Karin Burger: Interim Captain; known for 60-minute intensity and versatility.
Kelly Jackson: Interim Vice-Captain; specialist in spatial awareness and deflections.
Leadership Transition: Moving from a traditional captaincy to a "leadership group" model.
Cultural Focus: Emphasizing "Mana" and accountability within the squad.
| Leader | Strength | Key Stat | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Karin Burger | Conditioning | 15.5 Yo-Yo Score | High-pressure shut-down defense |
| Kelly Jackson | Reach | Lead SSN Deflections | Controlling the defensive circle |
Mentoring the Next Generation
Burger and Jackson have been instrumental in integrating "Next Gen" defenders like Carys Stythe. Their leadership style focuses on "on-court empowerment," where younger players are encouraged to take tactical risks within the team's defensive structures.
The Powerhouse Shooting Circle: Grace Nweke and Beyond
The Silver Ferns' shooting circle is currently anchored by Grace Nweke, whose dominance under the post remains unmatched in international netball. Nweke’s ability to hold space and pull in high lobs makes her the primary target for the "long-bomb" feeders. However, the 2025/2026 squad has introduced a more diverse range of options. Amelia Walmsley has emerged as a reliable secondary target, noted for her clinical accuracy and calm temperament in pressure moments. The addition of Martina Salmon, who gained notoriety for her long-range "clutch" goals in the 2025 domestic season, provides the Ferns with a tactical alternative to the traditional holding game. This variety is essential for countering the aggressive, physical defensive styles favored by Caribbean and Australian teams.
- Grace Nweke: The focal point; averaged 45+ goals per test in 2025.
- Amelia Walmsley: High-percentage shooter; key for goal-for-goal battles.
- Martina Salmon: Long-range specialist; useful for breaking down "The Wall."
- Georgia Heffernan: Mobile Goal Attack; essential for the "triangle" passing game.
Grace Nweke: The focal point; averaged 45+ goals per test in 2025.
Amelia Walmsley: High-percentage shooter; key for goal-for-goal battles.
Martina Salmon: Long-range specialist; useful for breaking down "The Wall."
Georgia Heffernan: Mobile Goal Attack; essential for the "triangle" passing game.
| Shooter | Shooting % (2025) | Style | Best Skill |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grace Nweke | 92% | Holding | Vertical Rebound |
| Amelia Walmsley | 89% | Post Target | Accurate Placement |
| Martina Salmon | 87% | Mobile / Range | Long-range Accuracy |
Tactical Shift to Mobility
Under coach Dame Noeline Taurua, the shooters are no longer just expected to stand and hold. Players like Filda Vui and Georgia Heffernan are tasked with creating "shooting lanes" through deceptive movement, forcing defenders to vacate the circle and creating space for the high lob.
Midcourt Engines: Speed, Vision, and Transition
The Silver Ferns midcourt is characterized by explosive speed and tactical intelligence, led by Maddy Gordon and Kate Heffernan. Gordon has become the "linchpin" of the transition game, utilizing her elite aerobic capacity to provide options on both the center pass and in defensive backup. Her connection with shooter Grace Nweke is a critical component of the New Zealand attack. Peta Toeava, who earned a recall in late 2025, brings a unique "no-look" passing ability that can dismantle even the tightest Australian man-on-man defense. The midcourt unit is responsible for the "short-pass" game that defines the Kiwi style, requiring high levels of coordination and trust to navigate the physical midcourt presses employed by England and Jamaica.
- Maddy Gordon: Center/WA; known for relentless driving and defensive tracking.
- Kate Heffernan: Midcourt height; excellent at intercepting high trans-court balls.
- Peta Toeava: Feeding specialist; provides the "X-factor" in the attacking third.
- Mila Reuelu-Buchanan: Returning from injury; brings speed and spatial awareness.
Maddy Gordon: Center/WA; known for relentless driving and defensive tracking.
Kate Heffernan: Midcourt height; excellent at intercepting high trans-court balls.
Peta Toeava: Feeding specialist; provides the "X-factor" in the attacking third.
Mila Reuelu-Buchanan: Returning from injury; brings speed and spatial awareness.
| Midcourter | Primary Pos | Key Asset | Tactical Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maddy Gordon | C | Aerobic Engine | Transition & Defensive Support |
| Kate Heffernan | WD/C | Height / Reach | Disrupting opposition feeds |
| Peta Toeava | WA | Vision | Specialist Circle Feeding |
The "Triangle" Attack
The midcourt works in a constant triangle with the Goal Attack. This ensures that the ball is never stationary for more than three seconds, making it difficult for opposition defenders to set up their "front-front" defensive positions.
Defensive Reinforcements: The Rise of Stythe and Hall
The 2025/2026 squad features two of the most exciting defensive prospects in recent New Zealand history: Carys Stythe and Catherine Hall. Both players earned their spots through dominant performances in the ANZ Premiership, where they were recognized for their aerial ability and "hunting" style of defense. Carys Stythe, elevated from the Development Squad, brings a youthful aggression to the circle, often winning "live-ball" interceptions that change the momentum of a match. Catherine Hall proved her worth as a regular starter for the Mystics, demonstrating a maturity beyond her years in shutting down experienced international shooters. Their inclusion ensures the Silver Ferns have the depth required for the high-intensity schedule of the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
- Carys Stythe: Agile and aerial; known for "second-effort" rebounds.
- Catherine Hall: Clinical stopper; excels in the "staggered" zonal defense.
- Phoenix Karaka: Experienced cover; providing leadership for the young defenders.
- Defensive Strategy: Utilizing height and speed to force wide passing options.
Carys Stythe: Agile and aerial; known for "second-effort" rebounds.
Catherine Hall: Clinical stopper; excels in the "staggered" zonal defense.
Phoenix Karaka: Experienced cover; providing leadership for the young defenders.
Defensive Strategy: Utilizing height and speed to force wide passing options.
| Defender | Speciality | League Form | International Potential |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carys Stythe | Interceptions | High gain count | High-impact specialist |
| Catherine Hall | Zonal Marking | Standout Mystics starter | Reliable 60-minute stopper |
Rebuilding "The Wall"
The integration of Stythe and Hall into the senior squad allows the Silver Ferns to maintain their famous "Wall" defense even during rotations. Their height and wingspan are specifically targeted to neutralize the tall shooting targets of South Africa and Jamaica.
The Next Gen: From Development to the Black Dress
Netball New Zealand's high-performance pathway is currently producing a "golden generation" of talent. The 2025/2026 squad features several players who have successfully transitioned from the New Zealand U21 and Development Squads (NZA) into the senior team. This pipeline is crucial for maintaining New Zealand's world ranking. Players like Saviour Tui and Parris Mason have benefited from the "accelerant" programs that provide them with international exposure before they are fully capped. This "bridge" ensures that when young players like Carys Stythe enter a World Cup environment, they are already accustomed to the physiological and psychological demands of elite international netball.
- Pathway Success: Stythe and Hall are direct results of the NZA program.
- Specialist Camps: Targeted training for shooters and defenders in the off-season.
- Mental Resilience: Incorporating sports psychology from the U21 level upward.
- Exposure: NZA matches against visiting international sides (e.g., England Roses).
Pathway Success: Stythe and Hall are direct results of the NZA program.
Specialist Camps: Targeted training for shooters and defenders in the off-season.
Mental Resilience: Incorporating sports psychology from the U21 level upward.
Exposure: NZA matches against visiting international sides (e.g., England Roses).
| Pathway Tier | Focus | Key Graduates |
|---|---|---|
| SF Squad | World-class performance | All current capped players |
| SF Development | Elite transition | Carys Stythe, Saviour Tui |
| NZ U21 | Foundation & Conditioning | Parris Mason, Catherine Hall |
Bridging the Gap
The Silver Ferns Development Squad often trains alongside the senior team during the international window. This "shadowing" process allows coaches to evaluate how younger players handle the increased speed and physicality of senior international tests.
Fitness Benchmarks: The "Fit-for-Purpose" Mandate
Selection for the Silver Ferns in 2026 is strictly governed by the "fit-for-purpose" mandate introduced by Dame Noeline Taurua. This requires every player, regardless of experience, to meet non-negotiable physical benchmarks. The most famous of these is the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test, where shooters and defenders must reach a minimum level of 14.5, and midcourters are expected to exceed 15.5. These standards ensure that the Silver Ferns can maintain their high-intensity "hybrid" defense—a mix of zonal and man-on-man—for the full 60 minutes of a test match. The medical and conditioning staff monitor these levels monthly, ensuring the squad is at peak fitness for the major tournaments in Glasgow and Sydney.
- Yo-Yo Test: 14.5 (Minimum eligibility for selection).
- Speed: 20m sprint targets tailored to position.
- Strength: Vertical leap benchmarks for circle players.
- Recovery: Mandatory sleep and hydration protocols.
Yo-Yo Test: 14.5 (Minimum eligibility for selection).
Speed: 20m sprint targets tailored to position.
Strength: Vertical leap benchmarks for circle players.
Recovery: Mandatory sleep and hydration protocols.
| Position | Min Yo-Yo Score | Key Physical Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Midcourt | 15.5 | Repeat sprint ability |
| Circle (Def/Shoot) | 14.5 | Explosive vertical power |
| All | 14.5 | Fourth-quarter resilience |
The "Fourth Quarter" Edge
The logic behind these strict standards is simple: international netball matches are often won or lost in the final five minutes. By being the fittest team on the court, the Silver Ferns aim to maintain their technical accuracy when their opponents begin to fatigue.
Tactical Roles: The "Hybrid" Defensive Identity
The current crop of Silver Ferns defenders is trained in a "hybrid" defensive identity that is unique to New Zealand netball. Unlike the traditional Australian man-on-man style, the Ferns utilize a system that switches between zonal positioning and tight marking depending on the ball's location. Players like Karin Burger and Kelly Jackson are the masters of this "interception game," where they bait opposition feeders into throwing risky passes across the circle. The midcourt defenders, such as Kate Heffernan, act as the "first line," disrupting the center pass and forcing the ball to the sidelines. This system requires high-level communication and "visual processing" speed, which the squad hones during specialist tactical workshops.
- Zonal Marking: Controlling the space to limit passing lanes.
- Man-on-Man: Tight marking in the final third to force turnovers.
- Intercept Baiting: Purposely leaving a "gap" to tempt the feeder.
- Sideline Pressure: Forcing the ball to the "dead zones" of the court.
Zonal Marking: Controlling the space to limit passing lanes.
Man-on-Man: Tight marking in the final third to force turnovers.
Intercept Baiting: Purposely leaving a "gap" to tempt the feeder.
Sideline Pressure: Forcing the ball to the "dead zones" of the court.
| Defensive Strategy | Primary Execution | Desired Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| The “Wall” | Midcourt Zonal Block | Forced long-range error |
| Front-Fronting | GK positioning vs Shooter | Denying the high lob |
| Intersections | GD/WD switching | Unpredictable turnover |
Solving the "Australian Bomb"
The hybrid system is specifically designed to counter the Australian Diamonds' "long bomb" style. By confusing the feeders' vision, the Silver Ferns aim to prevent the rapid, direct ball entry that high-volume shooters rely on.
Key Player Stats and Performance Metrics (2025)
Data analysis plays a massive role in the selection and management of the Silver Ferns players. The high-performance team monitors "possession efficiency" and "defensive conversion rates" for every squad member. Grace Nweke's 2025 statistics show she remains the most efficient shooter in the world, often converting over 90% of her attempts even under extreme pressure. Defensively, Kelly Jackson led the international circuit in "gains per match," highlighting her status as a premier stopper. These metrics are used by Dame Noeline Taurua to make "live" tactical decisions, such as when to introduce a mobility-based Goal Attack like Georgia Heffernan to disrupt a tiring defense.
- Top Scorer: Grace Nweke (Averaged 48 goals per test).
- Lead Interceptor: Kelly Jackson (Averaged 4 intercepts per test).
- Pass Accuracy: Maddy Gordon (92% successful feeds).
- Penalty Count: Karin Burger (Significantly reduced in 2025).
Top Scorer: Grace Nweke (Averaged 48 goals per test).
Lead Interceptor: Kelly Jackson (Averaged 4 intercepts per test).
Pass Accuracy: Maddy Gordon (92% successful feeds).
Penalty Count: Karin Burger (Significantly reduced in 2025).
| Player | Goals (Avg) | Intercepts (Avg) | Feed Accuracy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grace Nweke | 48.2 | N/A | N/A |
| Kelly Jackson | N/A | 4.1 | N/A |
| Maddy Gordon | N/A | 1.8 | 92% |
| Karin Burger | N/A | 3.2 | 88% |
Reducing the Penalty Count
A major focus for the 2025/2026 cycle has been "clean defense." By reducing their penalty count, players like Karin Burger allow the Silver Ferns to keep seven players "on-court" at all times, making their zonal defense significantly harder to penetrate.
The Future: Glasgow 2026 and Sydney 2027
The current squad is being built with two "pinnacle events" in mind: the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the 2027 Netball World Cup in Sydney. The 2025/2026 roster represents the "first phase" of this build, with a focus on establishing new connections and combinations. As veterans like Ameliaranne Ekenasio and Jane Watson look to potentially rejoin the squad for these major tournaments, the competition for spots will be the highest in a decade. Dame Noeline Taurua has emphasized that no position is "safe," and players must continue to perform in the ANZ Premiership to retain their black dress. The goal is to arrive in Sydney in 2027 with a squad that is not only world-class but "battle-hardened" through years of shared international experience.
- Glasgow 2026: Focus on depth and handling back-to-back pressure.
- Sydney 2027: The ultimate goal; reclaiming the World Title on Australian soil.
- Squad Evolution: Expecting 2-3 new additions from the 2026 NZA squad.
- Veteran Roles: Balancing youthful energy with championship experience.
Glasgow 2026: Focus on depth and handling back-to-back pressure.
Sydney 2027: The ultimate goal; reclaiming the World Title on Australian soil.
Squad Evolution: Expecting 2-3 new additions from the 2026 NZA squad.
Veteran Roles: Balancing youthful energy with championship experience.
| Pinnacle Event | NZ Goal | Key Selection Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Glasgow 2026 | Podium Finish | Handling multi-day fatigue |
| Sydney 2027 | World Champions | Technical precision vs Aus/Eng |
The "Sydney Mission"
The 2027 World Cup is personal for many in the squad. Winning on Australian soil is the ultimate achievement in New Zealand netball, and the current selection of Stythe, Hall, and Salmon is designed to ensure that the Ferns have the "X-factor" needed to cause an upset.
Final Thoughts
The Silver Ferns players of the 2025/2026 season are the guardians of a prestigious legacy, balancing the weight of national expectation with an innovative approach to the modern game. From the height and power of Grace Nweke to the tactical brilliance of Karin Burger and the youthful exuberance of Carys Stythe, this squad is a formidable unit. By strictly adhering to "fit-for-purpose" standards and fostering a deep developmental pipeline, Netball New Zealand has ensured that the Silver Ferns remain at the cutting edge of global high performance. As they look toward the challenges of Glasgow and Sydney, these athletes carry the hopes of a nation, proving that the future of New Zealand netball is in safe, athletic, and intelligent hands.
FAQ
Who is the current captain of the Silver Ferns? Karin Burger is the current interim captain of the Silver Ferns as of late 2025.
Is Grace Nweke eligible to play for the Silver Ferns? Yes, Grace Nweke was granted an eligibility exemption to play for the Silver Ferns throughout 2025 and 2026 while playing in Australia.
Who are the new players in the 2025/2026 squad? Newcomers include defenders Catherine Hall and Carys Stythe, and shooters Martina Salmon and Saviour Tui.
What is the fitness requirement for the Silver Ferns? Players must typically achieve a score of at least 14.5 on the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test.
Who is the interim vice-captain? Kelly Jackson (formerly Jury) is the current interim vice-captain.
Which shooter recently earned a recall to the squad? Peta Toeava earned a recall for the 2025/2026 international season.
Are veteran players like Ameliaranne Ekenasio still in the squad? Ameliaranne Ekenasio was unavailable for the 2025 international season but remains a contender for future selection cycles.
How many defenders are in the current squad? The current squad features five specialist defenders: Karin Burger, Kelly Jackson, Carys Stythe, Catherine Hall, and Phoenix Karaka.
What is the main goal for the current Silver Ferns squad? The focus is on building combinations for the 2026 Commonwealth Games and the 2027 Netball World Cup.
Who is the head coach of the Silver Ferns? Dame Noeline Taurua is the head coach of the Silver Ferns.
