Selby-Rickit joins exodus to Australia

Te Paea Selby-Rickit playing for the Tactix in 2024. PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES
Te Paea Selby-Rickit playing for the Tactix in 2024. PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES
Te Paea Selby-Rickit is the latest Kiwi heading to Australia.

The former Southern Steel and Silver Fern shooter, 33, was announced as the final signing for the Queensland Firebirds in Super Netball next season.

Selby-Rickit, who has made herself unavailable for the black dress so did not require an exemption from Netball New Zealand, leaves the Mainland Tactix after winning the ANZ Premiership title this season.

She studied at the University of Otago and played for the Southern Steel from 2011-19. She then moved to Christchurch where she has played for the past six years.

Selby-Rickit debuted for the Silver Ferns in 2016 and has earned 66 caps, including winning the Netball World Cup in 2019 and bronze at the Commonwealth Games in 2022.

"I'm super excited to be joining the Queensland Firebirds.”

"It's a new challenge that I'm really looking forward to. New team, new environment, and a great opportunity to play against the best."

She joins Central Pulse defender Kelly Jackson and midcourter Maddy Gordon as the New Zealand internationals at the Brisbane team, coached by Kiwi Kiri Wills.

Selby-Rickit will join Ugandan shooter Mary Cholhok in the circle and Australian Emily Moore.

The Tactix have also farewelled former Steel defender Jane Watson, but there has been no word on her future.

Steel midcourter Kate Heffernan has signed with the Adelaide Thunderbirds and Grace Nweke re-signed with the NSW Swifts.