Grace Nweke is embraced by a team-mate after the final Test against South Africa last month. Photo: Joe Allison
Grace Nweke's public show of support for embattled Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua will be subtle but unmistakable during the Constellation Cup series against Australia.
Taurua and her coaching staff were sensationally stood down for the Taini Jamison series last month after a review flagged "significant issues" in the team environment, sparked by player complaints.
Nweke made it clear where she stood following the Ferns' final test win over South Africa, when as match captain she said "we want you back, Noels," during the post-match presentation.
The Silver Ferns shooter later clarified she was not speaking for the whole team, but believed many of her team-mates shared the same view.
Despite marathon meetings, Netball NZ and Taurua were still not able to reconcile their differences and the popular coach has been stood down for the rest of the year.
Nweke wore a hand-taped wristband during the final Test against South Africa with the hand-written letters 'NT' and plans on doing the same thing during the Constellation Cup.
"I have kind of thought about whether to or not and I don't want to turn into some sort of outspoken whistle-blower or ostracize myself in the playing group or the sense of unity that we have but there's varying levels of relationship and connection to Noeline in our team.
"How people choose to express that I feel is up to them and for me the relationship we built is one that I really value ...I have a lot of respect for Noels and the work she's done with me as an individual player but also in the whole programme."
(L-R) Ameliaranne Ekenasio, Dame Noeline Taurua, and Grace Nweke react after winning last year's Constellation Cup. Photo: AAP / www.photosport.nz
Prominent rugby players have been known to use hand-taped wristbands to show support for social or political issues such as All Black TJ Perenara's support for the Ihumātao land protest in 2019.
Many players use them for personal or family messages, though major public protests can face consequences under World Rugby rules.
Nweke said it was simply a way of supporting her old coach.
"That wristband is a reminder of the fact that I haven't forgotten about her and I am grateful and acknowledge the work she's done for me to be able to perform in the black dress but also for every other player who takes the court.
"It's my way of showing my respect and support for her ...with the hope that some day, somehow she's able to return."
The Silver Ferns are aiming to claim back-to-back Constellation Cup titles for the first time ever, after claiming the silverware for just the third time last year.
The first Test starts on Friday and Nweke said getting on court will be a tonic for the players.
"All the off-court stuff and the discussions and the rumours and the politics of it all can be quite draining ...it has taken a toll on the group and I think the netball court is where we are able to just let go and just do what we know we're good at."
Nweke spent this year in the Australian domestic league where she played for the New South Wales Swifts and was excited to be taking on the Diamonds.
"It's always a really awesome opportunity to measure up against the world champions. I feel I've got a little bit more of an understanding of them and a bit more familiarity of the Aussie game style and space, so I'm excited to see how that adds to my toolbox in this series."
With veteran Ameliaranne Ekenasio stepping back from the national side, Nweke is by far the veteran shooter with 41 Test caps under her belt.
The rest of the shooting circle is extremely green with Georgia Heffernan and Amelia Walmsley both having six Test caps each and Martina Salmon just three.
The 23-year-old is trying to impart her inside knowledge to her fellow shooters.
"We've had quite a few video analysis sessions and we've done all the due diligence around all of the defenders to be able to discuss their tendencies and strengths and weaknesses. I'm able to really share what to watch out for so it's been really cool to be able to impart that game specific knowledge."
The first two Tests of the Constellation Cup are being held in Australia before the return leg in New Zealand.
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