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Explained: Are there clear pathways for new netball talent?

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Tue, 5 May 2026, 8:09pm
 	Tactix defender Laura Balmer's long reach has made her one of the top defenders in the ANZ Premiership in 2026. Photo: Michael Bradley Photography
Tactix defender Laura Balmer's long reach has made her one of the top defenders in the ANZ Premiership in 2026. Photo: Michael Bradley Photography

Explained: Are there clear pathways for new netball talent?

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Tue, 5 May 2026, 8:09pm

The ANZ Premiership is reaching the halfway point and some selections in the match between the Northern Stars and the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic raised some eyebrows.

Casey Kopua and Leana de Bruin were both featured in the match - both former Silver Ferns and both stars of the game, however, they are 40 and 48 years old respectively.

This raises questions around why we aren't bringing through fresh young talent into the ANZ Premiership - and who will grow to be the next stars of Netball for New Zealand.

Debbie Christian is an executive at the New Zealand Netball Players Association, and she joined D'Arcy to discuss.

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