Netball: Dame Noeline Taurua backs New Zealand mega-franchise proposal

Silver Ferns head coach Dame Noeline Taurua supports the mega-franchise model. Photo / Photosport

Silver Ferns head coach Dame Noeline Taurua has thrown her support behind the prospect of 'mega-franchises' being explored in New Zealand.

The idea, which would essentially see single overseeing organisations run several teams across various sporting codes, was put forward by former New Zealand Rugby boss Steve Tew, and revealed in documents obtained by Stuff under the Official Information Act.

Taurua has experience working under the mega-franchise model, having coached the Sunshine Coast Lightning who are in a joint venture between the Melbourne Storm and the University of the Sunshine Coast.

She saw little reason why it couldn't work in New Zealand.

"We're all asking and looking for resources and funding and we're all competing in the same pool of money," Taurua said.

"I can only relate it to my experiences over in Australia - with the Melbourne Storm being so professional and such a successful organisation, we were able to piggyback on the things that they do well. From a sharing point of view, it was more with the support services and business model that was positive for both organisations.

"I think it's definitely an idea that needs to be investigated and there could be positive upsides for all sporting groups ... it falls in line with the Kiwi way."

Dame Noeline Taurua spent three seasons with the Sunshine Coast Lightning. Photo / Photosport

Taurua said she didn't have a preference with what sporting code to align with netball, should the model go ahead.

"The key thing that I want to put across is it has to be about a partnership so that all sports keep their own identity. There are differences obviously between sports and everybody's mana [needs to stay] intact - that's really important," she said.

Earlier this week, Super Netball announced a new two-point shot zone to be introduced when the competition resumes on August 1.

The announcement saw outrage from a number of players who claimed they weren't consulted over the rule change, while fans slammed the idea on social media.

Taurua said although she was open to the game evolving, the two-point shot should be left to the Fast5 game.

"I always know the two-point shot as being associated with the Fast5 game so we've got a variation of our game already," she said. "The two-point shot aligns with that type of game whereas we've got the more traditional which is what we're playing at ANZ [Premiership] level and the international level.

"At this stage, I'm very set on my ways of it being quite traditional, however, we have to remain open to make sure we present our game as good as it can be.

"I don't think I can close my thinking off but I'm a traditionalist and I feel that our Fast5 variation for our game provides us with that entertainment package."