New Zealand Silver Ferns icon Casey Kopua has made a stunning return from retirement, signing on as a temporary replacement for the Giants.
The nearly 40-year-old defender joins the team in place of the injured Jodi-Ann Ward.
Ward has been ruled out for the remainder of the Super Netball season after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament tear during the Giants’ nine-goal loss to the Fever last weekend.
Casey Kopua looks to pass during an international test match in 2015. Martin Hunter via Getty Images
As the Giants prepare for their Round 8 showdown with the Vixens, they have enlisted Kopua, making her unexpected return to elite netball six years after hanging up her boots.
Although Kopua has not played in the Super Netball, some fans may recall her appearances with the now-defunct Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic in the former trans-Tasman league, the ANZ Championship, where her domestic career spanned an impressive 17 seasons.
Additionally, Kopua captained the Silver Ferns from 2009 to 2017, intensifying the rivalry with Australia through memorable clashes against Diamonds goal shooter Caitlin Bassett.
This new chapter sees Kopua reuniting with her former Magic coach Julie Fitzgerald, along with teammates Jamie-Lee Price and Jo Harten.
Casey Kopua of the Silver Ferns and Caitlin Bassett of the Australian Diamonds compete for the ball in 2015. Scott Barbour via Getty Images
In an official statement, the Giants expressed their excitement about Kopua joining the team.
“As a circle-defender, match-winner and natural leader, Kopua brings a significant amount of experience and composure to a Giants defensive line that has been depleted by the loss of both Ward and [Tilly] McDonell,” the statement read.
“Renowned for her tenacity, tactical acumen, and the ability to inspire those around her, the former world champion is anticipated to provide invaluable support to the youthful Giants squad. While her return to elite competition is unexpected, her competitive spirit and leadership abilities undoubtedly make her a valuable asset for Sunday’s encounter against the Vixens.”
Kopua stepped away from professional netball after the 2019 Netball World Cup, where she played a pivotal role in leading the Silver Ferns to victory over the Diamonds.
Since her retirement, she has remained engaged with New Zealand netball, participating in high-level mixed competitions and lower divisions, and also served as a specialist defence coach for the Magic during the 2021 season.
Casey Kopua in action for the Magic in 2013. Sandra Mu via Getty Images
Kopua is now the mother of three children.
She participated in the New Zealand reality TV show Celebrity Treasure Island last year.
A two-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist, Kopua initially retired from international netball in 2017 due to chronic knee injuries and the birth of her first child. However, she returned in 2019 for one last performance at the World Cup.
This unexpected development has raised eyebrows, especially given the Giants’ decision not to promote one of their reserve competition players to take Ward’s spot.
Training partner and defender Aimee Landrigan had previously joined the squad as injury cover for McDonell and made her debut over the weekend.
The Giants have yet to clarify whether Kopua will serve as a replacement for the remainder of the season.
It is believed that Kopua and her family are still residing in the Waikato region of New Zealand.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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