1 00:00:06,707 --> 00:00:10,547 Speaker 1: You're listening to the Weekend Sport podcast with Jason Fine 2 00:00:10,707 --> 00:00:11,787 Speaker 1: from newstalk EDB. 3 00:00:12,827 --> 00:00:15,547 Speaker 2: Silver Fern shooter Grace Wicky has signed with the New 4 00:00:15,587 --> 00:00:18,227 Speaker 2: South Wales Swifts for next season, leaving the Northern Mystics. 5 00:00:18,267 --> 00:00:21,747 Speaker 2: It makes her ineligible for New Zealand next year. She 6 00:00:21,907 --> 00:00:24,747 Speaker 2: can those still play for the Silver Ferns this year 7 00:00:25,027 --> 00:00:27,587 Speaker 2: they have upcoming tests against England for the Tiny Jamison 8 00:00:27,627 --> 00:00:30,947 Speaker 2: Trophy and Australia for the Constellation Cup in late September 9 00:00:30,987 --> 00:00:34,707 Speaker 2: and into October. Grace wiki with us very shortly, but 10 00:00:34,827 --> 00:00:38,307 Speaker 2: first let's bring in chair of the Netball New Zealand Board, 11 00:00:38,667 --> 00:00:41,627 Speaker 2: Matt Winner Ray Matt, thanks for joining us. How did 12 00:00:41,667 --> 00:00:45,467 Speaker 2: you navigate your way through Grace's desire to play her 13 00:00:45,507 --> 00:00:47,347 Speaker 2: netball off Shaw next year? 14 00:00:48,067 --> 00:00:50,067 Speaker 3: Oh well, Grace, Grace let us know that was what 15 00:00:50,107 --> 00:00:54,387 Speaker 3: she was interested in doing, and you know, frankly, she 16 00:00:54,427 --> 00:00:57,027 Speaker 3: wants to go and grow both on and off the court, 17 00:00:57,107 --> 00:01:01,027 Speaker 3: experience some new challenges, get some new experiences, and so 18 00:01:01,067 --> 00:01:03,507 Speaker 3: she has decided to do that by going to the 19 00:01:03,547 --> 00:01:07,147 Speaker 3: Swifts for one year. And as you noted, that makes 20 00:01:07,147 --> 00:01:09,467 Speaker 3: it ineligible for the for the self Foons next year. 21 00:01:09,787 --> 00:01:12,227 Speaker 3: But I guess The key bit for us was, look, 22 00:01:12,267 --> 00:01:15,667 Speaker 3: this is an opportunity for Grace. There's there's a real 23 00:01:15,667 --> 00:01:18,147 Speaker 3: commitment from Grace to the Black Dress and the self 24 00:01:18,187 --> 00:01:19,827 Speaker 3: founds in the long term, and so we looked forward 25 00:01:19,867 --> 00:01:23,387 Speaker 3: to getting you back in time to lead into those 26 00:01:23,467 --> 00:01:26,027 Speaker 3: next lot of pinnacle events. So maybe we've got a 27 00:01:26,067 --> 00:01:27,747 Speaker 3: Calm Games at the back end of twenty twenty six, 28 00:01:27,787 --> 00:01:30,267 Speaker 3: hopefully we do. And of course the Netball World Cup 29 00:01:30,267 --> 00:01:31,227 Speaker 3: in three years time. 30 00:01:31,307 --> 00:01:32,827 Speaker 2: So this is just the one year. 31 00:01:33,827 --> 00:01:35,307 Speaker 3: That's right, Grace assigned for one year. 32 00:01:35,587 --> 00:01:37,147 Speaker 2: Did you try and persuade her to stay. 33 00:01:38,867 --> 00:01:40,747 Speaker 3: Yeah, Look, I think if someone wants to go and 34 00:01:40,747 --> 00:01:43,027 Speaker 3: do you know, this is like a netball oe, isn't it. 35 00:01:43,027 --> 00:01:45,907 Speaker 3: So you know I did that when I was when 36 00:01:45,947 --> 00:01:48,507 Speaker 3: I was in my twenties, not a netple one, but 37 00:01:48,507 --> 00:01:49,667 Speaker 3: but I went and went in New York for a 38 00:01:49,707 --> 00:01:52,347 Speaker 3: few years. I think, you know, that's just an opportunity 39 00:01:52,107 --> 00:01:55,347 Speaker 3: that she wanted to take. And so we totally we 40 00:01:55,747 --> 00:02:00,147 Speaker 3: get that. We respect that decision. She didn't apply for 41 00:02:00,187 --> 00:02:03,907 Speaker 3: an exemption. She understands the rationale for that, for that policy, 42 00:02:03,947 --> 00:02:06,187 Speaker 3: which is that we want to keep the domestic being strong. 43 00:02:07,027 --> 00:02:11,267 Speaker 3: But look, we understand that and We wish her all 44 00:02:11,307 --> 00:02:13,187 Speaker 3: the best in this and we really look forward to 45 00:02:13,427 --> 00:02:16,707 Speaker 3: getting her back and seeing how she's how she's taken 46 00:02:16,907 --> 00:02:19,347 Speaker 3: advantage of that opportunity in the twenty twenty five year. 47 00:02:19,747 --> 00:02:21,867 Speaker 2: Did you consider offering her an exemption? 48 00:02:23,427 --> 00:02:26,107 Speaker 3: Well, she didn't apply for one. She understands that. She 49 00:02:26,227 --> 00:02:29,307 Speaker 3: understands that, as I said, that rationale. And if you 50 00:02:29,307 --> 00:02:32,867 Speaker 3: think about those those two examples of rexemptions in the past, 51 00:02:33,547 --> 00:02:38,147 Speaker 3: Laura Langman and Maria Palau, those were quite different circumstances. 52 00:02:38,147 --> 00:02:41,987 Speaker 3: They were one hundred test centurions. They had provided an 53 00:02:42,027 --> 00:02:46,227 Speaker 3: extensive service and contribution to Netble and the silk Foons 54 00:02:46,267 --> 00:02:48,267 Speaker 3: over over an extended period of time, so quite a 55 00:02:48,267 --> 00:02:52,547 Speaker 3: different set of circumstances. Grace understood that she was prepared 56 00:02:52,587 --> 00:02:56,027 Speaker 3: to make that sacrifice by not she didn't make the application. 57 00:02:56,627 --> 00:03:00,467 Speaker 3: She understood that she sort of fell outside that those examples, 58 00:03:01,267 --> 00:03:03,827 Speaker 3: but nevertheless wanted to take this opportunity. And I think 59 00:03:03,827 --> 00:03:05,827 Speaker 3: it sort of fits in well from a timing perspective 60 00:03:05,867 --> 00:03:08,947 Speaker 3: for us as set around around when those pinnacle events happen. 61 00:03:09,107 --> 00:03:11,467 Speaker 2: Would you ever consider, though, Matt, you know, yes, you didn't. 62 00:03:11,627 --> 00:03:14,347 Speaker 2: Didn't didn't request one, didn't apply for one, would you 63 00:03:14,387 --> 00:03:16,747 Speaker 2: independently as a board say hey, Grace, you're so good, 64 00:03:16,987 --> 00:03:19,587 Speaker 2: we're willing to offer you an exemption, you know, would 65 00:03:19,627 --> 00:03:22,027 Speaker 2: you independently make that offer to her? 66 00:03:23,267 --> 00:03:25,027 Speaker 3: Well, I think the key with that is that there's 67 00:03:25,067 --> 00:03:27,387 Speaker 3: a there's a clear rationale for that policy, which is 68 00:03:27,427 --> 00:03:30,307 Speaker 3: to maintain a domestic league in a strong way. And 69 00:03:30,347 --> 00:03:32,587 Speaker 3: that is that is for us to protect and preserve 70 00:03:32,667 --> 00:03:37,107 Speaker 3: that that domestic development pathway. And so we we you know, 71 00:03:37,187 --> 00:03:39,627 Speaker 3: that means that where you think about those exemptions, they 72 00:03:39,627 --> 00:03:44,227 Speaker 3: are in a relatively narrow space because what you're trying 73 00:03:44,227 --> 00:03:47,347 Speaker 3: to do is is, you know, is guard the long 74 00:03:47,467 --> 00:03:50,187 Speaker 3: term interests of the game. We think that's still is important. 75 00:03:50,187 --> 00:03:52,667 Speaker 3: We've had that discussion as a board where that policy 76 00:03:52,707 --> 00:03:55,907 Speaker 3: is still an important one for us, and so that's that's, 77 00:03:56,427 --> 00:03:58,307 Speaker 3: you know, why we continue to apply that. It's a 78 00:03:58,347 --> 00:04:00,707 Speaker 3: really it's really important development pathway for us. 79 00:04:00,787 --> 00:04:03,707 Speaker 2: It's almost identical, isn't it a using rugby stance on 80 00:04:03,867 --> 00:04:07,387 Speaker 2: selecting all blacks players from only those playing in super rugby. 81 00:04:07,547 --> 00:04:10,827 Speaker 2: They're obviously, you know, having ongoing discussions and they're sticking 82 00:04:10,907 --> 00:04:12,867 Speaker 2: fast to their rules at the moment. Can you ever 83 00:04:12,907 --> 00:04:16,987 Speaker 2: see your rules being relaxed, you know, even even a 84 00:04:17,027 --> 00:04:17,427 Speaker 2: little bit. 85 00:04:18,747 --> 00:04:20,147 Speaker 3: I think it depends a little bit on what the 86 00:04:20,267 --> 00:04:22,907 Speaker 3: what the domestic league looks like. So you know that 87 00:04:22,907 --> 00:04:25,667 Speaker 3: that's that's not something we're thinking about doing at the moment. 88 00:04:25,707 --> 00:04:27,707 Speaker 3: But I think you you know, these things you always 89 00:04:27,787 --> 00:04:30,187 Speaker 3: keep under a view. What you're trying to do is 90 00:04:30,187 --> 00:04:32,907 Speaker 3: is create the strongest pathway you can for your for 91 00:04:32,987 --> 00:04:35,787 Speaker 3: your for our New Zealand players, for the domestic domestic 92 00:04:35,867 --> 00:04:39,747 Speaker 3: pathway to to develop great silver ferns and create will 93 00:04:40,067 --> 00:04:41,307 Speaker 3: winning CIVI fun teams. 94 00:04:41,907 --> 00:04:44,507 Speaker 2: What's your sense on whether other players might follow suit 95 00:04:44,547 --> 00:04:45,987 Speaker 2: now that Grace has taken the sleep. 96 00:04:47,947 --> 00:04:50,147 Speaker 3: Ah, you know, look, we just have to We'll just 97 00:04:50,227 --> 00:04:52,147 Speaker 3: have to wait and see. The teams are going through 98 00:04:52,187 --> 00:04:53,867 Speaker 3: their contracting in the moment. I think most of the 99 00:04:53,987 --> 00:04:59,267 Speaker 3: some COTS Super Netball teams have announced they're they're players now, 100 00:04:59,347 --> 00:05:01,747 Speaker 3: that's that's sort of going through that process. And our 101 00:05:02,267 --> 00:05:04,987 Speaker 3: our Premiership teams are in the middle of their contracting 102 00:05:05,027 --> 00:05:08,867 Speaker 3: and our continuing to lease announcements about who's been signed 103 00:05:08,907 --> 00:05:11,427 Speaker 3: and who's moved you know where and what have you. 104 00:05:11,467 --> 00:05:16,067 Speaker 3: So so not at present, but you know, we'll see. 105 00:05:16,667 --> 00:05:18,947 Speaker 2: And you consider the black dress still to be a 106 00:05:18,987 --> 00:05:23,307 Speaker 2: strong enough, strong enough reason for players to stay or 107 00:05:23,387 --> 00:05:26,467 Speaker 2: to as Grace has go and come back for Pinnacle events. 108 00:05:26,627 --> 00:05:28,787 Speaker 2: You don't suspect that there might be And I'll use 109 00:05:28,827 --> 00:05:31,947 Speaker 2: rugby as as a comparison again, players who just go 110 00:05:32,027 --> 00:05:34,467 Speaker 2: off shore to play chase maybe slightly bit of money 111 00:05:34,867 --> 00:05:36,987 Speaker 2: in Australia or maybe over in the in the Northern 112 00:05:36,987 --> 00:05:40,547 Speaker 2: Hemisphere and therefore make themselves unavailable for New Zealand. 113 00:05:42,067 --> 00:05:44,667 Speaker 3: Well, it was it was very clear from the discussions 114 00:05:44,667 --> 00:05:47,107 Speaker 3: with Grace that the Black Dress is very important to 115 00:05:47,147 --> 00:05:49,427 Speaker 3: her and she's got a very strong commitment to that. 116 00:05:49,507 --> 00:05:51,827 Speaker 3: So that that's the sort of the one data point 117 00:05:51,827 --> 00:05:54,467 Speaker 3: we've got at the moment on that I think, and 118 00:05:54,507 --> 00:05:56,907 Speaker 3: so that's what and that's reflected and who decision to 119 00:05:57,147 --> 00:05:58,747 Speaker 3: sign for the one year to do it at this 120 00:05:58,827 --> 00:06:01,107 Speaker 3: time which is out of cycle if you like, in 121 00:06:01,187 --> 00:06:05,747 Speaker 3: terms of those Pinnacle events and express that very strong commitment. 122 00:06:05,787 --> 00:06:07,747 Speaker 3: So I think at the moment that Black Dress is 123 00:06:08,147 --> 00:06:12,347 Speaker 3: a very strong is a very strong attraction and motivated 124 00:06:12,387 --> 00:06:14,587 Speaker 3: for our top netboards. 125 00:06:14,787 --> 00:06:16,707 Speaker 2: And I guess it opens an opportunity for somebody else 126 00:06:16,787 --> 00:06:18,427 Speaker 2: to step under the shooting circle, doesn't it. How do 127 00:06:18,467 --> 00:06:21,307 Speaker 2: you assess the strength of those who are or will 128 00:06:21,347 --> 00:06:24,347 Speaker 2: be next year in charge of filling those rather large 129 00:06:24,347 --> 00:06:24,907 Speaker 2: shoes of hers. 130 00:06:25,467 --> 00:06:28,427 Speaker 3: Oh yeah, I think it absolutely does give that opportunity 131 00:06:28,467 --> 00:06:30,507 Speaker 3: so someone else gets a bit of exposure at the 132 00:06:30,547 --> 00:06:33,107 Speaker 3: top level and more time with the with the coaches. 133 00:06:33,147 --> 00:06:35,827 Speaker 3: And I look forward to that because I think that's 134 00:06:35,907 --> 00:06:39,067 Speaker 3: that's the opportunity that in a way grace is provided 135 00:06:39,067 --> 00:06:41,867 Speaker 3: by providing that space, and we looked forward to seeing that. 136 00:06:41,867 --> 00:06:44,427 Speaker 3: We've we've seen, you know, we every year you see 137 00:06:44,747 --> 00:06:47,987 Speaker 3: you see people plat top players continue to develop and 138 00:06:48,027 --> 00:06:50,307 Speaker 3: grow and we look forward to that happening next year 139 00:06:50,307 --> 00:06:50,667 Speaker 3: as well. 140 00:06:50,827 --> 00:06:52,627 Speaker 2: Good Man, Matt, thanks for taking the time for a chat. 141 00:06:52,667 --> 00:06:53,467 Speaker 2: Really appreciate it. 142 00:06:53,627 --> 00:06:55,747 Speaker 3: No chairs, no thank you mate. 143 00:06:55,787 --> 00:06:58,987 Speaker 2: That's Matt Winerry. He's the chair of the board of Netborn, 144 00:06:59,027 --> 00:06:59,547 Speaker 2: New Zealand. 145 00:07:00,227 --> 00:07:03,387 Speaker 1: For more from Weekend Sport with Jason Fine, listen live 146 00:07:03,547 --> 00:07:06,787 Speaker 1: to News Talk zed B weekends from midday or follow 147 00:07:06,827 --> 00:07:08,427 Speaker 1: the podcast on iHeartRadio.