Silver Ferns shooter Grace Nweke’s public show of support for the team’s sidelined coach Dame Noeline Taurua has been pulled as a nomination for the upcoming Halberg Awards.
Dame Noeline was stood down by Netball New Zealand in September ahead of the Taini Jamison series after concerns were raised by players following a training camp in Sydney last January.
In September, Nweke, the captain for the third and final Test against South Africa, spoke out in support of the coach following the Ferns' win.
"Noels, if you're listening, we love you and we miss you, and we want you back here," she said during a post-match presentation. "You've done so much for this group and the work you've done this whole year, you deserve to here and we want you back, Noels."
Dame Noeline was reinstated as head coach 51 days later.
The televised moment was up for contention as New Zealand's Favourite Sporting Moment at the Halbergs.
However, in a joint statement this evening, Halberg, Netball NZ, the Player and the NZ Players Association told 1News they "did not feel comfortable that this was a celebrated sporting moment".
Finalists for the Sporting Moment
- Sam Ruthe has become the youngest person in history to break the four-minute-mile barrier. (athletics)
- Luke Harrold (16) lands world's first triple corked rotation in a freeski halfpipe competition. (snow sports)
- Auckland FC lifted the premiership plate in their inaugural season, completing a remarkable first-year campaign. (football)
- Ryan Fox chips sensational playoff birdie to claim maiden PGA Tour victory at Myrtle Beach Classic. (golf)
- Ardie Savea match-sealing turnover in the final moments handed Moana Pasifika their historic first-ever win over the Blues. (rugby)
- Hayden Wilde staged a stunning comeback at the T100 London, overcoming an injury to chase down Rico Bogen on the bike for the win. (triathlon)
- Portia Woodman-Wickliffe becomes New Zealand's all-time top try scorer. (rugby)
- After being tripped and stepped on in qualifying, Geordie Beamish made the final and won gold just two days later. (athletics)
- Hamish Kerr wins elusive World Title. (athletics)
- Eroni Clarke secretly sang the national anthem at Eden Park, moving son Caleb to tears before he scored the opening try. (rugby)
- Matthew Payne conquers Mount Panorama in torrential rain to claim epic 2025 Bathurst 1000 victory. (motorsport)
The 63rd ISPS Handa Halberg Awards will be held on February 16.
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