Casey Kopua signs for Giants, Jodi-Ann Ward ruled out, injury, retired, Silver Ferns great, Julie Fitzgerald

Netball nice Casey Kopua is popping out of retirement, with the just about 40-year-old Kiwi famous person named to exchange injured Large Jodi-Ann Ward.

Ward was dominated out of the rest of the 2025 season after tearing her ACL within the Giants’ loss to the West Coast Fever final weekend.

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Now, the last-placed Giants have opted to convey Kopua – who has been retired since 2019 – into Tremendous Netball for the primary time.

The transfer reunites Kopua along with her former coach Julie Fitzgerald and teammates Jamie-Lee Value and Jo Harten from their time collectively on the Waikato Bay of A lot Magic.

“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 stated in a press release.

“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.

“While this appearance marks a surprise return to the elite level, her competitive edge and leadership credentials make her a formidable inclusion for Sunday’s clash against the Vixens.”

It’s been an extended highway for Kopua since her second netball retirement; at instances working three jobs with the star defender now a mum of three who turned her hand to actuality TV final 12 months.

Kopua had initially retired from the Silver Ferns again in 2017 after a string of knee accidents and the delivery of her first little one. However the star returned to the black costume in 2019 and confirmed she nonetheless had it to match it with the perfect.

She completed her profession as a two-time Commonwealth Video games gold medallist and a Netball World Cup champion in 2019.

Since her skilled retirement, Kopua has nonetheless be concerned in New Zealand netball and featured at top-level blended competitions and decrease leagues.

However along with her fortieth birthday solely weeks away, the transfer by the Giants to signal Kopua is bound to show controversial.

Already with teen Aimee Landrigan within the squad as damage cowl for McDonell, the Giants opted to not proceed their use of coaching companions and Giants reserve squad members as substitute for Ward.

Kopua has been signed as a brief substitute participant for this weekend’s conflict with the Melbourne Vixens.

The membership is but to announce is she’ll be the participant used for the rest of the season.