Grace Nweke (left) and Elisapeta Toeava Photo: Photosport
Netball New Zealand has confirmed the 2025/2026 Silver Ferns squad which features the inclusion of star shooter Grace Nweke and her old Mystics teammate Peta Toeava.
Two new defensive options in Catherine Hall and Carys Stythe are also in the squad for the first time having both made an impact in the ANZ Premiership this year.
Nweke has been given an exemption under the updated eligibility criteria and process and is eligible to play for the Silver Ferns throughout 2025 and 2026, despite playing in the Australian league this year.
Nweke has recommitted to the Swifts for the 2026 Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) season.
The 23-year-old, who was recently voted the Swifts' MVP, said her drive to win a premiership with the Sydney based side was a key factor in her decision to re-sign.
"While we had some amazing highs and milestones in 2025, I feel that as a group we have unfinished business. With one season under my belt and lots of learning I am excited to see what we can achieve next year," Nweke said.
Nweke headlines a new-look shooting circle which includes Amelia Walmsley, Georgia Heffernan and newcomers Filda Vui, Martina Salmon and Saviour Tui.
Shooters Maia Wilson, Ameliaranne Ekenasio, Te Paea Selby-Rickit, and Tiana Metuarau were all unavailable for selection for the 2025 season.
Hall was a standout for the Mystics where her form earned her a regular starting spot in the defensive circle in just her second fully contracted season with the side.
Stythe, elevated into the Silver Ferns Squad following her time with the Development Squad, had a strong maiden season with the Southern Steel during the ANZ Premiership where she was recognised for her aerial game.
Midcourter Toeava has also earned a recall into the squad, having debuted in the black dress in 2018 and earning eight Test Caps. She had another dominant season for the Mystics, who reached the ANZ Premiership grand final.
Toeava spent years feeding Nweke at the Mystics with the pair having an almost telepathic connection.
Stars midcourter Mila Reuelu-Buchanan is also back in the Silver Ferns squad after 10 months out in 2024 with an ACL injury.
Mystics midcourter Tayla Earle, who earned two test caps in January last year, has also been promoted from the development squad.
Carys Stythe (left) and Catherine Hall (right) Photo: Photosport
But there wasn't room in the midcourt for Claire O'Brien, who debuted last year, or 44-test cap Whitney Souness.
There was also no room for wing defence Paris Lokotui, who had a fantastic season with the title winning Tactix.
Silver Ferns head coach Dame Noeline Taurua said it was exciting to finalise the Silver Fern squad, particularly ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games and the 2027 Netball World Cup.
"We have a number of experienced players who are unavailable for selection for the upcoming Silver Ferns' matches so this is an important time to build new connections and combinations ahead of two massive pinnacle event years," she said.
"I was very pleased to see Grace apply for an exemption under the updated eligibility criteria and process and we are thrilled that the Netball New Zealand Board approved it so she can play for the Silver Ferns in 2025 and 2026."
Taurua said Hall and Stythe both earned their places in the squad through their consistency on the ANZ Premiership court this year.
"It's exciting to know most of these current squad members have the potential to be around for a few Netball World Cup cycles. These squads are demonstrating the new generation of players coming through and the depth we have been building over numerous years. This is our opportunity to bring them together to work towards a common goal."
The Silver Ferns team to play in next month's Taini Jamison Trophy will be selected in early September.
Jane Watson was also unavailable for the 2025 international season.
2025/2026 Silver Ferns squad
SHOOTERS
Grace Nweke
Amelia Walmsley
Martina Salmon
Georgia Heffernan
Filda Vui
Saviour Tui
MIDCOURTERS
Maddy Gordon
Kate Heffernan
Mila Reuelu-Buchanan
Peta Toeava
Tayla Earle
Kimiora Poi
DEFENDERS
Karin Burger
Kate Burley
Kelly Jackson
Catherine Hall
Carys Stythe
Parris Mason
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