Kate Heffernan in action for the Silver Ferns against Australia. Photo: photosport
Star Silver Fern Kate Heffernan says her decision to play in Australia's Super Netball League will be a wrench.
The midcourt juggernaut and Southern Steel stalwart became the third New Zealand international in the space of three days to announce she will take her domestic game across the Taman next year.
Heffernan will align with the Adelaide Thunderbirds, while Pulse team-mates Kelly Jackson and Maddy Gordon both announced they will play for the Queensland Thunderbirds.
The trio were key figures when the Silver Ferns crushed Australia 3-1 last year to reclaim the Constellation Cup, along with shooter Grace Nweke, who played this year for the Sydney Swifts.
Netball New Zealand last month updated its eligibility policy, allow more flexibility for Silver Ferns players wanting to play overseas.
Heffernan, who was this week named in the Silver Ferns squad, has been granted an exemption to play in Australia by Netball NZ.
Kate Heffernan of the Steel and Georgie Edgecombe of the Magic. Photo: Aaron Gillions / Photosport
The 25-year-old said it will be a painful experience not lining up for the Steel, who she has represented in 101 games since a debut in 2018.
"I'm incredibly proud to play all of my ANZ Premiership games for my home team and this decision to take my netball in a new direction has not been made lightly. It will be so tough to leave my Steel family and I am grateful for everything the franchise has done for me," she said.
"On the other hand, I am excited to see what the future holds in a new environment with the Thunderbirds. The opportunity to experience the intensity of a new competition and different opponents can only enhance my netball even further and I'm ready to embrace the challenges ahead."
Steel head coach Wendy Frew said she wasn't surprised Heffernan had attracted the attention of Australian clubs.
"I have had the privilege of both playing alongside and coaching Kate during her time with the Steel and she is such a standout player. She brings real leadership and experience, along with her defensive flair, and her signature is a real coup for any team," she said.
"It has been so exciting to see how she's grown throughout her career and, as much as she is a massive loss for us as a team, I am proud to see her embark on this new chapter."
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