Reuelu-Buchanan and Salmon earn maiden selection for the Commonwealth Games

Pacific talent remains in the mix at the top level of New Zealand netball with Northern Stars duo Mila Reuelu-Buchanan and Martina Salmon named in Dame Noeline Taurua’s Silver Ferns squad for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

The Silver Ferns will be aiming to improve on their bronze-medal finish at the previous pinnacle event in Birmingham.

Both players will make their Commonwealth Games debuts after being included in a squad that mixes experience with fresh faces ahead of the July tournament.

Reuelu-Buchanan, who captains the Stars, has been rewarded for another strong ANZ Premiership season in the midcourt, where she finished with 210 feeds despite missing part of the competition due to a minor knee injury.

She is named in a strong midcourt group alongside Maddy Gordon, Kate Heffernan and Kimiora Poi, with her selection, alongside Reuelu-Buchanan, subject to medical clearance.

Taurua, who will lead the Silver Ferns at a Commonwealth Games for the second time, said the squad balance was important heading into a short preparation window before the Games.

“When you look at the make-up of the squad, we have a great balance of players who will be around for many more pinnacle events,” Taurua said in a press release.

“As well as more mature players who are in the prime of their careers and delivering amazing performances.”

Salmon’s selection caps a strong rise through the ANZ Premiership, with the shooter earning her first Commonwealth Games call-up after a standout season in the shooting circle.

The Sāmoan, Tongan shooter has played across several ANZ Premiership clubs, including the Magic, Pulse, Southern Steel and Tactix, before earning her place in the Silver Ferns squad.

She joins a shooting unit that includes Stars teammate Amelia Walmsley, Southern Steel’s Georgia Heffernan, and Grace Nweke, who returns from Australia's Suncorp Super Netball competition alongside Kelly Jury, Gordon and Kate Heffernan.

Taurua says familiarity will be a key in a short build-up to the tournament.

“Many of these players are also familiar with our court systems, processes and routines. With a short runway between assembling as a team and our opening match against Scotland, continuity and familiarity is a real asset.

“In a campaign where every training session counts, this team allows us to spend less time learning and more time refining, connecting and performing,” Taurua said.

Silver Ferns players celebrate after securing bronze against England at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Photo/Matthew Impey/Photosport

Toeava on the edge again

Elsewhere, Elisapeta Toeava remains firmly in contention after another standout ANZ Premiership season, leading the competition in feeds with 432 and guiding her side into another Grand Final.

The Sāmoan wing attack has been named as a non-travelling reserve alongside Kate Burley, Aliyah Dunn, Tayla Earle and Te Paea Selby-Rickit.

Notable absentees include experienced shooters Maia Wilson and former captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio, both of whom made themselves unavailable for selection.

The Silver Ferns will assemble for a three-day training camp in New Zealand in early July before heading to Manchester for a pre-Games camp ahead of Glasgow.

New Zealand will open their Commonwealth Games campaign against hosts Scotland on 25 July, with the tournament running from 23 July to 2 August. For more information on the 2026 Commonwealth Games click here.

Silver Ferns squad

Midcourt: Mila Reuelu-Buchanan, Kate Heffernan, Kimiora Poi, Maddy Gordon

Defenders: Carys Stythe, Catherine Hall, Kelly Jury, Karin Burger

Shooters: Grace Nweke, Amelia Walmsley, Martina Salmon, Georgia Heffernan

Travelling reserve: Parris Mason

Non-travelling reserves: Kate Burley, Aliyah Dunn, Tayla Earle, Te Paea Selby-Rickit, Elisapeta Toeava.