Sisters reunited in Games squad

Southern shooting twins Kate Heffernan (left) and Georgia Heffernan. PHOTO: MICHAEL BRADLEY PHOTOGRAPHY

Four years ago, Kate Heffernan was just thrilled to be on the plane to Birmingham.

The fresh-faced midcourter was coming off strong seasons for the Southern Steel and got her Silver Ferns call-up to debut at the Commonwealth Games.

She has gone on to play 50 games for her country and will suit up as vice-captain after being named in the 12-strong side to compete in Glasgow next month.

Heffernan, who played 101 games for the Steel before joining the Adelaide Thunderbirds this year, is in good company, with former Steel team-mates Kimiora Poi, Carys Stythe and twin sister Georgia. Shooter Aliyah Dunn is a non-travelling reserve.

It will be their debuts at a pinnacle event, and Heffernan was ‘‘very proud’’ of her sister’s selection.

‘‘She’s definitely had a more up-and-down netball journey,’’ Heffernan told the Otago Daily Times.

‘‘I’ve had the front-row seat to seeing the hard work that she’s done and seeing how she’s kind of adapted to some of the setbacks that she’s had.

‘‘It’s actually been quite inspiring to see and she’s been playing some unreal netball. I can’t wait to play with her again.’’

Debuting against Northern Ireland at Birmingham 2022 had been special, opening Heffernan’s eyes to different styles of netball and what was required at the pressure events.

But that was a vastly different experience from what lay ahead for the now experienced international.

‘‘We got bronze four years ago, and that was obviously really special, but we want the gold,’’ Heffernan said.

‘‘There’s been quite a core of us that have gone through the last few years and we’re actually just really excited. We have been kind of building quite nicely for this, so really excited.’’

Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua speaks to media during the New Zealand 2026 Commonwealth Games netball team selection announcement at Netball North Harbour in Auckland yesterday. PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

It is a relatively settled squad named by Noeline Taurua, who will return as head coach after being stood down last year.

Karin Burger will captain the squad, and Kelly Jackson - who was named the Queensland Firebirds MVP and scooped three other awards at the club’s function this week - is the most experienced, heading to her third Commonwealth Games.

Catherine Hall, who had foot surgery last month, has punched her ticket. Her selection, and that of Poi, who is nursing a calf complaint, is subject to medical clearance.

Phoenix Karaka is the notable omission, having not been selected even as a reserve. The 70-cap defender returned from the birth of her second child this year.

Taurua was pleased with the depth of the squad.

‘‘The balance of the squad is really nice between the youthfulness, the exuberance that comes with that but also a great spine of players who have been around for a few years,’’ Taurua said.

The head coach did not oversee a test in 2025 and yesterday’s announcement was special.

‘‘This has been a milestone actually for us to name this team, getting back on the ground - it’s like riding a bike, I must admit.

‘‘I can’t wait. That first training’s going to be a boomer.

‘‘I feel they did really well last year, so can’t wait.’’

The Silver Ferns’ preparation is limited.

They have a three-day training camp early next month - after the ANZ Premiership and SSN finish - before heading to Manchester for a pre-Games camp, then going to Glasgow.

They play the opening game of the tournament against Scotland on July 25.

kayla.hodge@odt.co.nz