Superstar goal shooter Grace Nweke has broken her silence on her emotional post-game address to stood-down Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua, saying she would do the same thing again despite receiving “constructive criticism” from Netball New Zealand management.
Nweke also revealed that she would continue to wear a wristband with the initials ‘NT’ in the Constellation Cup series agianst Australia.
Nweke spoke out after the final Test against South Africa last month, in which she was acting captain. Stopping the MC and looking down a television camera, she spoke from the heart. “Noels, if you’re listening, we love you and we miss you, and we want you back here,” she said. “You’ve done so much for this group and the work you’ve done this whole year, you deserve to here and we want you back, Noels.”
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Nweke told RNZ that she did not regret her actions, but should have made clear that she was not speaking on behalf of the entire team; with World Cup-winning mentor Taurua having been the subject of complaints from some players over her leadership and communication style.
“It came to me in that moment and I knew that something needed to be said. I felt that the situation was kind of slipping away and there was a lot that we couldn’t control and couldn’t effect change on,” Nweke said.
“I knew that mediation was happening the following week and players were not really encouraged to share their feelings and I can understand why, but I felt that something needed to be said and I think selfishly it was a way for me to frame my piece to then begin to accept where the outcome played out, knowing that I’d been able to at least share how I felt.
“In reflecting on my words, I feel that I should have only spoken for myself and it wasn’t right to make a sweeping statement for everyone.
“It definitely wasn’t a statement that was supported by Netball New Zealand upper management and people who had come in to try and guide the group forward, and that was something I had to deal with that following week and I can understand where they were coming from in terms of the way that creates complexity and challenge for the job they had at hand.
“I did receive a bit of constructive criticism around my words, but I’m taking it on the chin and I would do it again. I can appreciate where they were coming from… but I feel I did the right thing for me and several of my teammates in that moment.”
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Nweke wore a wristband bearing Taurua’s initials in the final Test against South Africa and will again against the Diamonds, despite admitting it made her mindful of not putting other players offside.
“I have kind of thought about whether to or not and I don’t want to turn into some sort of outspoken whistleblower or ostracise 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,’’ Nweke said.
“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.
“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 someday, somehow, she’s able to return.”
Nweke said that Taurua’s removal had been sprung on the players.
“It all kind of happened in a bit of a blur, like 24 hours notice and you woke up one day and the coaching staff had changed and there was so much evolving in that moment for our group that it was really quite challenging,” she said.
“There was an array of emotion around the ins and outs of what had gone on and as more information was shared to us confidentially, it was hard to come to terms with what had led us here and having to accept how we got there.
“But I feel that with time I’ve been able to come to terms with the changes and make my peace with what’s gone on.”
Coach Dame Noeline Taurua.Source: Getty Images
Taurua remains stood down, with initial mediation efforts having failed. Interim coach Yvette McCausland-Durie will handle the team for the looming Constellation Cup series against Australia and a November tour of the UK.
Nweke said it was hard to understand how a resolution had not been reached with Taurua, whose ruthless and uncompromising fitness demands are believed to be at the heart of complaints.
“We’re not lawyers, we’re not politicians, we don’t usually have to be involved or have a view to understand negotiations and board discussions and I think a lot of us in the leadership space have had to put that hat on and try and do a bit of lobbying and I guess just try and understand how that space works and understand how we are still at a stalemate, when ultimately Netball New Zealand is trying to get the best for us and so is Noeline.
“So wherever the point of contention is, it definitely is complicated and I do think maybe we’ve lost view of what’s really important from time to time and I think ultimately it has come at a cost to the players and to Noeline and that’s what’s been quite challenging to accept.”
Nweke said the public nature of the dispute had become difficult. National selector Gail Parata revealed this week that she had quit over Taurua’s standing down, while Silver Ferns icon Laura Langman called players who had complained anonymously “gutless”.
“This thing has massively been blown out of proportion and taken new wings… it’s really hurt players that it’s come out this publicly and it’s hard to see the way forward when the whole country gets to have an opinion,” Nweke said.
“It’s very unfortunate this has had to play out so publicly right in the midst of an international calendar and I feel that it’s just been poorly managed and poorly led, and people and players have become the collateral and I do think Noel sits there too.”