One new name in Silver Ferns squad

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Author: NZ Herald,
Publish Date: Mon, 14 Sep 2026, 2:17pm

Tactix defender Laura Balmer's long reach has made her one of the top defenders in the ANZ Premiership in 2026. Photo / Photosport

Tactix defender Laura Balmer has earned her first Silver Ferns squad selection after a breakout season in the ANZ Premiership, while shooters Aliyah Dunn and Te Paea Selby-Rickit both return to the 18-player squad named for the 2026-27 season.

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 Under-21 side that claimed silver at the 2025 Netball World Youth Cup in Gibraltar.

Dunn returns to the black dress after a strong domestic campaign, adding proven scoring power to a shooting circle led by Grace Nweke.

Selby-Rickit is back in the squad after having been unavailable for the 2025 international season. The experienced shooter brings 66 test caps and a wealth of pinnacle event experience to the group.

The squad retains the core of the side that ended a 16-year wait for Commonwealth Games gold in Glasgow, where the Silver Ferns went through the tournament unbeaten before defeating Jamaica 56-48 in the final.

Silver Ferns head coach Dame Noeline Taurua said that selecting the Silver Ferns squad had become increasingly difficult, reflecting the competition for places and depth.

“Over the last couple of years, selecting the Silver Ferns squads has become incredibly 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.

“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.”

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.

“Aliyah is one of the premier shooters in the domestic competition. 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.

Steel star Aliyah Dunn returns to the black dress after a strong domestic campaign. Photo / Photosport

“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 season. Her experience, versatility and understanding of the game add another dimension to the shooting circle.

“This is an exciting squad with a great balance of experience and emerging talent. We have established Silver Ferns alongside athletes who are still early in their international careers, and that mix reflects this squad.”

The Silver Ferns will have training camps this month and in October ahead of the WM New Zealand Netball Series. They play the Constellation Cup opener 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 in New Zealand since 2021, a streak the Silver Ferns will be determined to extend.