Heffernan, named as vice-captain alongside Grace Nweke, was named in the Silver Ferns squad to play in the Nations Cup in England next month, alongside her sister and Steel shooter Georgia, who has been selected as a training partner.
Coach Noeline Taurua named the same midcourt from the Constellation Cup; Mila Reuelu-Buchanan, Maddy Gordon and Whitney Souness.
But there are surprises elsewhere.
Phoenix Karaka has deservedly been named captain in Ameliaranne Ekenasio’s absence, joined at the defensive end by Kelly Jury, Karin Burger and Michaela Sokolich-Beatson. Jane Watson is unavailable for the series.
Sokolich-Beatson makes a welcome return to the Silver Ferns, five years after her last test.
She debuted against Malawi in 2018, and was cover ahead of the 2019 Netball World Cup.
Two ruptured Achilles within nine months has limited her court time recently, but she was a standout for the Mystics and captained the Fast 5 Ferns.
The shooting circle has had a shakeup, Taurua opting for just three shooters and only one goal attack.
Nweke is joined by Amelia Walmsley and Stars shooter Amorangi Malesala, who finally gets her chance to debut. Tiana Metuarau and Maia Wilson have missed out, after failing to meet fitness standards.
Former Steel defender Kate Burley and Mystics centre Tayla Earle have been named as training partners.
Taurua looked forward to seeing what her new squad, including Sokolich-Beatson and Malesala, could do against England, Australia and Uganda.
"Amorangi has worked hard this year and has stood out in the Silver Ferns development squad," Taurua said.
"Michaela will bring another level of leadership to our group, and I’m delighted with how she has been playing following what has been a tough road back from injury."
Taurua will be joined by New South Wales Swifts coach Briony Akle as a specialist coach for the series. Assistant coach Deb Fuller is unavailable.
Nations Cup
Silver Ferns squad
Grace Nweke, Amelia Walmsley, Amorangi Malesala, Maddy Gordon, Kate Heffernan, Mila Reuelu-Buchanan, Whitney Souness, Karin Burger, Kelly Jury, Phoenix Karaka (captain), Michaela Sokolich-Beatson.
Training partners: Kate Burley, Tayla Earle, Georgia Heffernan.
