Veteran Silver Fern Kelly Jackson says it is heartbreaking to see the uncertainty hanging over New Zealand’s domestic netball competition, fearing future generations of players may not have the same opportunities she did.
Jackson has just completed her first year in the Australian league and hopes to continue playing across the Tasman in Suncorp Super Netball (SSN).
Without a broadcast deal, there are serious questions about whether New Zealand’s ANZ Premiership will survive next year.
Jackson, who spent nine seasons playing in the ANZ Premiership, said it is a situation she finds hard to comprehend.
“It’s hugely heartbreaking, it’s a really tough situation for everyone involved, not just players, it’s the franchises the people within the franchises, the supporters,” Jackson said.
“But also my heart breaks for those girls that are going to step into our shoes in five, 10 years time because who knows what this competition will look like in that period of time and what opportunities they will have and they might not be able to experience what we’ve been able to experience.
“It really hurts and I think even though some of us have gone over and played in Australia, the ANZ Premiership is an awesome competition and the viewership is increasing, they are still selling out stadiums, so the product’s not the problem but I don’t know what the solution is but I hope one is found fast.”
Jackson played for the Queensland Firebirds this year alongside current Silver Fern Maddy Gordon and Commonwealth Games reserve player Te Paea Selby-Rickit.
The trio played under New Zealand coach Kiri Wills, who recently told RNZ that the Firebirds had been contacted by “a lot of New Zealand players looking for contracts”.
Kelly Jackson in 2019, where she started her career at the Magic.
© Copyright Jeremy Ward / www.photosport.nz Photosport Ltd 2019
Shooter Grace Nweke, who broke into the ANZ Premiership when she was still at school, said it was tough to see what the players were going through in New Zealand.
“I reflect on my journey in netball and I finished school in 2019 and got a contract with the Mystics to be a training partner and I was so excited for a future in netball and a career there,” Nweke said.
“It’s really sad to think about what if it finishes this year with a lot of uncertainty about what pathways players can follow to you know, become Silver Ferns, to play professionally.
“It’s just a sad outcome for the game and I’m hoping that things turn around so that we can continue to grow netball in this country, but also the future Silver Ferns for years and years to come.”
Nweke blazed a trail by heading to the Australian league last year, which forced Netball NZ to revisit its Silver Ferns eligibility rules.
The 24-year old finished 2026 as the second highest goal scorer in the SSN. Her New South Wales Swifts team were dealt some injury setbacks and finished outside of the play-offs.
Nweke said her second season wasn’t any easier.
“The difference is I just knew what I was in for. And it had its own challenges that presented both on and off the court in different ways. Staying adaptable and being able to navigate those challenges makes you stronger but I enjoyed the season and just excited for what’s to come.”
Nweke said her game had progressed again after another year in the league.
“Playing in the best league in the world and having top athletes to play against every week and really strong training environments and high expectations from coaches and staff. The SSN has proven successful for many players, as well as myself, that’s really the place that continues to push you and kind of get the best out of players.”
Silver Fern shooter Grace Nweke.
PhotoSport / John Davidson
Jackson, who picked up the Queensland Firebirds’ MVP award, said the experience had been good for her.
“It was a great change for me and my game and just life experience in general. Every week I was just coming up against an international shooter and I loved the challenge.
“Also going into a team that are playing relatively unfamiliar to myself, but I was able to bring, convince them to bring in some Kiwi flavour of some zone and some box defence.”
Jackson feels better equipped for the Commonwealth Games later this month after a year in the Australian league.
She was among five Silver Ferns, who plied their trade across the Tasman this year and got to play against some of the best in the world.
“I feel a lot more familiar coming up against the Australians, the Jamaicans, even the English girls. We have been able to I guess clue up on them whilst being over in the SSN, but in saying that, they’ve been able to do the same to us.”
Jackson said those players with SSN experience have to make the most of what they learnt and inject it into the Silver Ferns, whose goal is winning the gold medal at this month’s Commonwealth Games.
The Silver Ferns first game in Glasgow is against Scotland on 25 July.