Netball: Back in black as Mason eyes another chance against Australia

Photo by Michael Bradley. 

Taranaki netballer Parris Mason says missing out on the Silver Ferns' Commonwealth Games gold medal-winning team was tough, but she is determined to make the most of another opportunity in the black dress.

The former New Plymouth Girls' High School student, who travelled to Glasgow as a reserve but did not feature in the tournament, has been named in the Silver Ferns squad for the upcoming Constellation Cup against Australia.

Mason is one of three additions to the Commonwealth Games-winning squad, alongside Te Paea Selby-Rickit and Peta Toeava.

Speaking on The Most FM Sports Show last week, Mason said it had been difficult travelling with the team before departing when the players entered the Commonwealth Games village.

"Missing Comm Games was really hard and being that travelling reserve and going over there and being with them right up until they went into the village," she said.

"I was so proud of them that they won gold."

Mason said being the 13th player in a team limited to 12 was disappointing, but the experience had reinforced the importance of remaining mentally prepared for another opportunity.

"I think most of it was just staying mentally ready.

"Just coming back after the misselection and the little bit of a setback, just staying ready in the mental space for me was probably the biggest thing that I had to do."

The defender, who made her Silver Ferns debut in 2024, said she was looking forward to competing for court time against the world champion Australian Diamonds.

While the 14-player squad had been selected, Mason said earning a place in the match-day 12 remained her immediate priority.

"I think each training is just going to be going in there and competing. You know that you have to compete for your spot."

Despite her success on the international stage, Mason has maintained strong connections with Taranaki, where her netball journey began.

She attended New Plymouth Girls' High School for three years before moving to Manukura and recalled helping the school qualify for the national secondary schools tournament in Year 11.

Mason was named defender of the tournament, an achievement she still considered one of her proudest school netball memories.

"Honestly, I'm super grateful for the time I had at New Plymouth Girls' High," she said.

"My favourite year was when we actually made nationals for the first time in a very long time."

Her mother remains heavily involved in the school's netball programme as head coach, while Mason continues to visit family and friends in the region.

"Taranaki is always going to be my home.”

She also spoke fondly of her connections to Inglewood Rugby Club, where she spent weekends growing up and later returned to play netball.

"Being able to put on that maroon dress was actually something really special."

Mason said the upcoming series against Australia would provide another significant challenge for the Silver Ferns, particularly with the Netball World Cup approaching next year.

The four-test Constellation Cup begins in Auckland on October 18, followed by Christchurch on October 21, Sydney on October 25 and Melbourne on October 28.

Mason has also been selected for the Silver Ferns' three-test series against the Net Blacks in Hamilton next month, alongside fellow Taranaki representative Kelly Jackson.

For now, however, Mason is focused on taking each opportunity as it comes.

"I'm just grateful to be back in the squad, and being able to be there, ready, if I manage to be named in the 12 to hit the court."