Netball legends return to rule the court in Game On

What does life look like for you now?
It’s hectic! I’m coaching the Northern Stars in the ANZ Premiership and running around after my seven grandchildren.

Why did you choose to participate in the series?
Initially, it was because the line-up of ladies was so awesome. But I also really loved the concept. There’s something fascinating about pushing yourself back to this level of fitness and seeing what your body is still capable of.

Looking back, which game would you love to replay?
The 2011 World Netball Cup, where we lost to Australia by one point. There are a few things I’d do differently. Losing by one point is brutal.

What sacrifices did you have to make for your netball career?

The biggest one was being away from my kids, Jusdean, now 31, and Erin, 27, so much when they were little. We’d be away for weeks at a time, and I realise now how many milestones and special moments I missed.

Why did you choose to participate?
It didn’t involve a lack of sleep or food like many reality shows and I liked the message behind it. I thought, “Why not?” It was time to get out of my comfort zone!

Which team did you find the hardest to compete against?
Australia. There is a reason they describe their defenders as human backpacks.

If you could give your 16-year-old self a piece of advice, what would it be?
I am constantly telling my boys Harper, 17, and Lincoln, 15, to enjoy it. Of course, the competitive nature makes you want to win, but you have to have fun. You can be determined and motivated, and still have a good laugh along the way!

What passions or interests have you pursued since stepping away from netball?
After many attempts, my husband Jeff, 51, has finally convinced me to play golf. What a frustrating sport! But I remind myself that, if nothing else, it’s a good walk with great company in the fresh air.

What does life look like for you now?
I’m a full-time mum to my daughter Kilani-Mae, 15, and son Giovanni, 11, whom I share with my husband Joseph, 43. I also own an F45 gym.

Why did you choose to participate in the series?
To push myself out of my comfort zone. I’d normally say no to something like this straightaway.

Looking back, which game would you love to replay?
My last professional game. This time, I’d want to know it was my last so I could savour it more.

How did playing netball shape your identity beyond being an athlete?
It taught me resilience and how to open up. It also helped me learn how to support my own children through their sporting journeys.

How did you push through the time when you wanted to give up?
My family. Knowing they were in the stands watching made it all worth it.

What was the highlight of your career? 
Any time we won a series, a medal or beat the Aussies!

Which team did you find the hardest to compete against?
Australia and Jamaica because they were the best to measure myself as a player. They had incredible speed, agility, aerial game and the best shooters to play against

How did netball shape your identity beyond being an athlete?
It showed me that the real battle is often within. You have to choose to be one step better than the voice telling you to give up. It also gave me deep gratitude for those who paved the way for me. Now I focus on passing that on, giving back to my community and supporting others in all walks of life.

What interests have you pursued since stepping away from netball?
I haven’t really stepped away. I’ve tried but it keeps calling me back! The passion is still there, and netball continues to open doors and opportunities.

What does life look like for you now?
I’m the participation manager at Netball New Zealand and living the dream with my husband Christie, 55, and our daughter Bianca, 27.

What are you most looking forward to about Game On?
The unknown! I have no idea what to expect. Reality TV looks very different from what I imagined.

What first drew you to play netball?
My sister played and I really looked up to her. I also went to a small farm school with only seven girls in my age group, so I had to play to make up a team.

What was the highlight of your career? 
There are so many. Playing for South Africa in the 1995 World Cup – our first time back on the international stage after sanctions. Beating Australia with New Zealand in the 2003 World Cup and the 2006 Commonwealth Games were huge moments. And being named flag bearer at the 2010 Commonwealth Games was an honour.

What does life look like for you now?
I’m enjoying family life in Whanganui. After living abroad in London and Hong Kong for seven years, my husband Leif, 46, and I returned home so our children Te Aihireinga, 12, and Marire, three, could have some quality time with our wha¯nau.

Why did you choose to participate in the TV series?
I didn’t want to at first, but seeing how courageous the men on Match Fit were in sharing their stories made me realise I could be a voice for other middle-aged women. The major changes women face across their lives aren’t talked about enough and that can feel isolating.

What first drew you to play netball?
My grandmother was a big lover of the game, so I grew up on the side of the netball court. I must admit, however, it was a love of the tuck shop at netball that initially drew me in!

What are you most looking forward to about Game On?  
Seeing how much fun we had. I cherished those moments with the girls. 

What was the highlight of your career?
Every time I put the black dress on was a highlight, but winning the 2019 World Cup final was a dream come true.

How did you push through the times when you wanted to give up?  
It was always me against me. I was always trying to be better, and be the best person and player I could be for my team. 

What do you do for fitness these days?
I go to Matamata F45 five days a week and play socially competitive netball for Hinuera Rough Diamonds. I also love going for walks with my husband Terry, 38, and keep active kicking a ball around or shooting hoops with our children Maia, nine, William, five, and Luke, three.

What first drew you to netball?
I immigrated from the Netherlands, where netball wasn’t played. My PE teacher at high school, Dame June Mariu, introduced me to it. Once I got my head around the rules, I really enjoyed the team aspect.

What was the highlight of your career?
As an immigrant, to receive awards from your country is always a tremendous honour. Being awarded the CNZM represented how far we had come as a family in our new country. Becoming a Life Member of Netball NZ and receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Halberg Awards were also major honours.

What are you most looking forward to about Game On?
I hope viewers look beyond just seeing a group of players and focus on the journey they go through to achieve their goals.

What does life look like for you now?
I’m a co-principal and teacher at Tipene St Stephens School in Auckland, alongside my husband Nathan Durie.

Why did you choose to participate in the series?
The challenge! I also love being part of a team and had so much fun catching up with everyone.

How has the game changed since your days?
The game is much faster and way more physical than when I was coaching or playing.

Have any skills you learned from netball helped you in life?
Absolutely – resilience, especially. It’s something I carry with me every day.

What do you do for fitness these days?
I go for a slow jog every day to maintain my fitness.

Do you prefer a home or an away crowd?
Nothing beats playing in front of a Pulse home crowd at TSB Arena.

Game On premieres Tuesday, July 15 at 7.30pm on Three and streams on ThreeNow.