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The 2023 Netball World Cup kicks off in South Africa on the 28th of July. Get to know the wāhine toa who will give their all at this year’s Netball World Cup
Shooters
AMELIARANNE EKENASIO
Age: 32
Positions: GS, GA
Height: 186cm
Caps: 57
How would your dream day look?
I’d wake up rested, overlooking a beach in a warm climate. I’d do yoga, eat a nourishing breakfast and spend quality time with my kids, before moving into work that filled my cup, leaving me inspired and passionate.
GRACE NWEKE
Age: 21
Position: GS
Height: 193cm
Caps: 21
Who is your netball idol and why?
Irene van Dyk. A top shooter and a legend of the New Zealand game, she still contributes to local and top netball.
MAIA WILSON
Age: 25
Position: GA, GS
Height: 187cm
Caps: 38
If you could have any three people over for dinner, who would they be?
Michelle Obama – she is just phenomenal; Serena Williams, the absolute GOAT; and my dad, who passed away when I was 18, so I’d love a cuddle and to talk endlessly.
TE PAEA SELBY-RICKIT
Age: 31
Positions: GA, GS
Height: 188cm
Caps: 59
Who is your netball idol?
Donna Wilkins because I played both basketball and netball growing up. I thought it was pretty cool she played both for New Zealand, and she was just so dominant and consistent.
Mid Courters
KATE HEFFERNAN
Age: 23
Positions: WD, C, WA
Height: 181cm
Caps: 15
Who is your netball idol?
My mum [former Silver Fern legend Annette Heffernan]. I grew up looking up to her and always loved hearing about her netball journey.
GINA CRAMPTON
Age: 31
Positions: WA
Height: 174cm
Caps: 63
How would your dream day look?
I’d gather up all the best people in my life and have a fun picnic together, ideally with delicious food, good music and a swimming spot nearby.
WHITNEY SOUNESS
Age: 27
Positions: WA, C
Height: 174cm
Caps: 30
If you could have any three people over for dinner, who would they be?
[Singer] Kehlani, and podcasters Mel Robbins and Jay Shetty.
MADDY GORDON
Age: 23
Positions: C, WA, WD
Height: 174cm
Caps: 6
How would your dream day look?
I’d have a sleep- in, then go out for brunch with my friends. After that, I’d take the beanbags down to the beach to tan, swim and read. Then I’d go play some tennis at the courts in the sun.
Defenders
KELLY JURY
Age: 26
Positions: GK, GD
Height: 192cm
Caps: 46
If you could have any three people over for dinner, who would they be?
Gordon Ramsay to cook, Lewis Capaldi to entertain – he can sing and make you laugh! – and Roger Federer since he’s my favourite athlete.
PHOENIX KARAKA
Age: 29
Positions: GK, GD
Height: 186cm
Caps: 50
If you could have any three people over for dinner, who would they be?
[My daughter] Pāma, so she can meet my nana Lanuola Papali’i, and my uncle Peter Fatialofa, so I could reconnect him with his kids.
KARIN BURGER
Age: 30
Positions: GK, GD, WD
Height: 184cm
Caps: 37
How would your dream day look?
A little sleep-in, some sort of exercise, going out for brunch/coffee with friends, doing a bit of retail therapy, spending quality time with my family, then getting ready for a night out – dinner, theatre or a show.
JANE WATSON
Age: 33
Positions: GK, GD
Height: 181cm
Caps: 56
If you could have any three people over for dinner, who would they be?
My partner, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Jason Momoa.
Travelling Reserves
MILA REUELU-BUCHANAN
Age: 25
Positions: C, WA
Height: 173cm
Caps: 3
Who is your netball idol?
Gina Crampton for her skill sets, work ethic, leadership and the importance she places on enjoying life. So much of my growth within the game is credit to G!
SULU FITZPATRICK
Age: 30
Positions: GK, GD, WD
Height: 188cm
Caps: 27
Who would you have over for your dream dinner party?
Jacinda Ardern, Dame Whina Cooper and Oprah Winfrey!
TIANA METUARAU
Age: 22
Positions: GA, GS
Height: 183cm
Caps: 6
Who is your netball idol?
[Pulse coach] Yvette [McCausland-Durie] and my mum [former Silver Fern and coach Waimarama Taumaunu]. They both have passions outside of netball and make positive contributions to the Maˉori community.
