Netball: Former Silver Ferns return to squad ahead of 2027 World Cup

Former Silver Ferns shooters Aliyah Dunn and Te Paea Selby-Rickit are back in the national squad ahead of the 2027 World Cup after several years outside of the national team.The only new face in an otherwise predictable 2026/2027 Silver Ferns squad is young Tactix defender Laura Balmer, who has earned her first selection after a breakout ANZ Premiership season.The 18-player squad retains the 12 who won gold at the recent Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.Dunn has not played for the Silver Ferns in six years, with her four tests coming in 2018. The 26-year-old, who at times fell short of the Silver Ferns fitness requirements, was the most prolific shooter this ANZ Premiership season, and was named as a non-travelling reserve for July's Commonwealth Games.Dunn is one of many Silver Ferns who will play overseas next year, with Netball NZ unable to guarantee there would be a professional league in Aotearoa from 2027.Selby-Rickit, who has not made herself available since the 2023 World Cup, also returns to the black dress.The 34-year-old seems to have gained a new lease on life since joining the Australian netball league. She was recently named as a non-travelling reserve for the Commonwealth Games and will return to the Queensland Firebirds in 2027.The experienced shooter brings 66 test caps and a wealth of pinnacle event experience to the group.Balmer, who moved south to the Tactix for 2026, has established herself as one of the competition's most disruptive in-circle defenders in her first full season at the elite level. The selection caps a rapid rise for Balmer who was part of the New Zealand U21 side that claimed silver at the 2025 Netball World Youth Cup.Silver Ferns head coach Dame Noeline Taurua.Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nzSilver Ferns head coach Dame Noeline Taurua said selecting the squad over the last couple of years had become increasingly difficult."There is genuine competition for places, and that is exactly what we want as we continue to build the depth within the Silver Ferns programme."Taurua has been contracted through to the end of the Constellation Cup, and is in discussions with Netball NZ about her future, with an announcement expected soon.Taurua has previously said her intention was to remain in charge at the 2027 Netball World Cup."This squad has been selected with our eyes firmly on the 2027 Netball World Cup in Sydney. It is about building from the success of the Commonwealth Games, continuing to grow the game and creating the competition for places we need heading into a World Cup year."But it is also bigger than Sydney. We have a group of athletes who have the potential to represent the Silver Ferns across at least two World Cup cycles. That is exciting for the future of the programme and gives us an opportunity to continue building genuine depth and sustained success."The Silver Ferns needed to add more defensive power to the wider squad, with Kate Burley recently announcing her retirement. Defender Catherine Hall also faces months of rehabilitation after rupturing her ACL in her right knee at the Commonwealth Games.Taurua said Balmer had secured her place through the consistency of her performances and ability to play across two positions."Laura had an outstanding season with the Tactix and has earned this opportunity. She brings real presence in the circle, has the ability to win ball and has a high work ethic. We're looking forward to seeing what she can bring into the Silver Ferns environment."Laura Balmer impressed during this year's ANZ Premiership.John Davidson / www.photosport.nzTaurua said Dunn adds proven scoring power to a shooting circle led by Grace Nweke."She is a high-percentage shooter, a strong holding option and has a smart netball brain. She has continued to develop her game and deserves the opportunity to test herself within this environment."Having Te Paea back in the Silver Ferns environment is also exciting. She is a 66-Test veteran who understands the demands of international netball and had a strong latter part of the SSN (Suncorp Super Netball) season. Her experience, versatility and understanding of the game add another dimension to the shooting circle."Taurua described the squad as an exciting mix of experience and emerging talent.The Silver Ferns will assemble for training camps in September and October ahead of the Constellation Cup series against opener against Australia on October 18 in Auckland.The Diamonds head into the series as the world's top-ranked side and reigning Cup holders, but have not won a test on New Zealand soil since 2021.2026/2027 Silver Ferns squadShootersAliyah DunnGeorgia HeffernanGrace NwekeMartina SalmonTe Paea Selby-RickitAmelia WalmsleyMidcourtersTayla EarleMaddy GordonKate HeffernanKimiora PoiMila Reuelu-BuchananPeta ToeavaDefendersLaura BalmerKarin BurgerCatherine Hall*Kelly JacksonParris MasonCarys Stythe