Former Silver Ferns captain Casey Kopua is making a surprise return to elite netball — three weeks before her 40th birthday.
The 39-year-old netball legend has been signed as injury cover for the Greater Western Sydney Giants who play in the Australian Super Netball league.
Kopua fills in for Jodi-Ann Ward, who tore her ACL in a recent loss to the West Coast Fever last week.
The Giants said Kopua's return would be a "surprise" to supporters but her credentials made her a "formidable inclusion" in the squad.
"A circle-defender, match-winner and natural leader, Kopua brings a wealth of experience and composure to a depleted Giants defensive end who will be without both Ward and [Tilly] McDonell," the Giants said in a statement.
“Known for her tenacity, game smarts, and ability to lift those around her, the former world champion is expected to provide invaluable guidance to the young Giants squad."
Kopua had initially retired from the Silver Ferns in 2017 following several knee injuries and the birth of her first child, but the star returned to the black dress in 2019.
She finished her career as a two-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist and as a Netball World Cup champion in 2019.
SHARE ME