Netball: Casey Kopua expected to make shock return to the Silver Ferns

Casey Kopua could make a shock return to the Silver Ferns. Photo / Getty

Former Silver Ferns captain Casey Kopua is reportedly eyeing an unexpected return to international netball.

Stuff have reported that Kopua's signalled surprise return to the national side comes three years after her last test and only a month since being ruled out of the ANZ Premiership with a foot injury.

The 33-year-old suffered a plantar fascia tear during the warm-up ahead of the Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic's round nine match against the Northern Stars and is expected to be out for at least another few weeks.

It is believed that Netball New Zealand have approached Noeline Taurua for the Silver Ferns head coach role. Photo / Getty

Although it is unlikely she will be ready in time to play in next month's Quad Series and Constellation Cup, Kopua could be back in good form to join the Ferns at next year's Netball World Cup.

Stuff reported that Kopua's decision would likely hinge on Noeline Taurua's appointment as the Silver Ferns head coach, with the Ferns naming their next coach ahead of the team naming on August 14.

Taurua is contracted to Australian franchise the Sunshine Coast Lightning until the end of 2019, and if she can reach an agreement with Netball New Zealand, she would first need to need work through contract details with the Lightning.

Kopua's return could be the Silver Ferns' saving grace as the national side desperately look for redemption after bombing out of the Commonwealth Games without winning a medal.